PA01.73. A retrospective analysis of efficacy of various ayurvedic formulations in psychiatric diseases

Abstract

Purpose: Mental disorders are high on rise in India. Epidemiological studies conducted in India on mental and behavioural disorders report varying prevalence rates, ranging from 9.5 to 370 per 1000 population. The overall DALYs burden for mental disorders is projected to increase to 15 per cent by the year 2020 and this increase is proportionately larger than that for cardiovascular diseases. Ayurveda bears great responsibility in preventing and treating the mental disorders. Medhya Rasayana is the treatment perspective to prevent and manage psychiatric disorders. In Ayurveda, Rasayana therapy has been stated as a unique therapy in curing mental diseases. It can promote memory and intelligence and can increase immunity against disease and promote strength and vitality as well as it can control ageing process by serving as anti oxidant agent. A review of various studies carried out in Ayurveda is made to enlist the best effective treatment measures in promoting and preventing mental disorders. Method: Available research works carried out at Institute for Post Graduate Teaching & Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar from the year 2001 to 2012 are screened and referred with relation to mental disorders. The treatments are reviewed and enlisted for assessing the efficacy. Result: On reviewing the researches, it was found that nearly 15 works found suitable are carried out in relation to mental disorders. The data shows that Ayurvedic formulations like Aamalakyadi and Medhya Rasayana Ghrita (in Alzheimer's disease), Rasayana Ghana tablets (in stress), Rasona tablets, Brahmi ghrita, flax seed capsules and Ashwagandharishta (in depression), Shirodhara (in insomnia), Saraswatarishta (in perimenopausal syndrome) are effective in psychiatric diseases. Conclusion: Researches show that Ayurvedic formulations are effective in moderate manner in treating the psychiatric diseases. Ayurvedic Medhya Rasayana formulations can be used for preventing and managing psychiatric disorders.