Evaluation of efficacy and safety of Gas-O-Fast (Ajwain) in Amalpitta

Abstract

Modern era’s, changing lifestyle along with changing food habits and  depending upon one’s body constitution Amlapitta is one of the most common symptom (disease) seen in the society. Amlapitta is very distressing due to its chronic, relapsing and remittent nature. ‘Hurry’, ‘Worry’, and ‘Curry’ are the three main reasons for the disease. The industrialization, stress due to work, lack of exercise and faulty food habits leads to disturbance of Agni or metabolism which leads to many disorders, Amlapitta is one of them. Acidity refers to set of symptoms caused by an imbalance between the acid secreting mechanism of stomach and the protective mechanisms of gastric mucosa that ensure their safety. When due to some reason, there is excess production of acid by acid secreting glands of stomach, it results in condition known as Acidity. Acidity tends to have a much higher incidence in highly emotional and nervous individuals. Faulty lifestyle undoubtedly has a much higher role in this disease. Non-steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID’s) also predispose to gastric acidity. Prolonged acidity is responsible for symptoms like Dyspepsia, Heartburn and if not taken care of, the erosion of the lining of stomach or intestines result with the formation of Ulcers. Current research proposal is small step to explore evidence based therapeutic potential of Ayurvedic herbal formulation. Present short term clinical trial was designed to evaluate efficacy of Gas-O-Fast (Ajwain), when used in a dose of 3 sachet /day in volunteers. Drug was given to the patients of dyspepsia for 30 days. It is evident that improvement in symptoms of Amalpitta (Non ulcer dyspepsia) was statistically highly significant without any side effects/ toxic effects of formulation.