Shaddharanayoga (SD) Churna in the management of Adhi-rakthachapaya (Hypertension): A Case series

Abstract

Poly herbal Ayurveda medicine Shaddharanayoga (SD) consists six drugs including Plumbago indica L., Holarrhena pubescens L., Cissampelos pareira L., Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora Pennell., Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. and Terminalia chebula Retz. Though SD is mentioned in Ayurveda authentic texts for abdominal diseases (Amashagatha vatha), commonly used to treat Hypertension (Adhi-rakthachapaya). Present study focused on literary survey, laboratory tests to analyze physical parameters of SD Churna (powder) and case series to find therapeutic efficacy of SD Churna on ten patients in age group 30-70 years with BP ≥ 140/90mmHg and not taking any medications for HTN. SD Churna was prescribed for six days and BP was measured before and after treatment. Literature survey revealed that SD is prominent with Thiktha rasa (bitter taste), Laghu guna (light property), Ushna veerya (hot potency) and Katu vipaka (pungent final digestive transformation). This helps to reduce pathogenesis of Adhi-rakthachapaya by acting on vitiated Kapha, Vatha doshas and Medo dhathvagni lowering Medovriddhi. After proper identification and authentication, SD Churna was prepared according to drug recipe in Bhava Prakasha and analyzed for physical parameters. SD Churna was a moderately coarse powder having particle size ranging from <500µm - >250µm with an acidic pH of 4.74. Moisture content which gives an idea about shelf life was 0.2817% and Ash value was also tested. Results of case study showed reduction in blood pressure and other abdominal conditions like loss of appetite and constipation. Study will be proceeded to further clinical studies and laboratory investigations to analyze chemical components of SD Churna.