Effectiveness of Ayurveda intervention on growth and development in Indian infants

Abstract

Background: Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine. This system of medicine is having many practices to promote and preserve health. There are certain folklore practices that are promoting for healthy living of the children. The ingredients of Kumarabharana prasha (Bhasmas Swarna, Rajata, Pravala and Choorna of Yastimadhu, Amalaki, Ashwagandha, Shunti, Pippali, Harithaki, Vacha) has been collected from one such folklore practice called Uramarunnu/ Suttumadhu. Aim: To assess, whether 300 mg once daily administration of Kumarabharana Prasha from birth to 6 months has a role in growth and development in healthy infants. Materials and methods: Total 44 healthy infants from birth to 1 week fulfilling the inclusion criteria were recruited. The subjects were randomized into two groups. 21 received 300 mg of Madhu and Ghrita once daily and 23 received 300 mg of Kumarabharana Prasha once daily served as control and study group respectively. Subjects in both the groups were assessed for anthropometrical/growth parameters (length, weight, head circumference, chest circumference) and development (motor age, development quotient of motor age, mental age and development quotient of metal age). Development was assessed using Development Assessment Scale for Indian infants (DASII). Result: The mean growth and development both were found significantly higher in study group as compared to control group. Conclusion: Kumarabharana Prasha can be considered as a positive health care initiative in infants, which may enhance the growth and development in infants.