Evaluation of comparative efficacy of Guduchyadi Leha Versus Kalyanaka Leha as a standard control in the management of Gadgada (Stuttering) in children: A Randomized double-blind clinical study

Abstract

Background- Speech is a unique characteristic of a human being that helps to convey his/her thoughts, and ideas to others. Stuttering is a speech disability in which a person is unable to speak with a normal fluency of speech. Ayurveda portrays a disease named ‘Gadgada’, which shows the same clinical features as ‘Stuttering’ in conventional science. The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of ‘Guduchyadi Leha’ and ‘Kalyanaka Leha’ as local applications on the tongue and same as internal administration also for the management of Gadgada in children. Material and Method- This Clinical trial was a parallel-arm, randomized double-blind study. A total of 30 patients were enrolled in this study after fulfilling the inclusion criteria, 15 patients were in each group. In Group A- Kalyanaka Leha (Standard control) and in Group B- Guduchyadi Leha (Trial drug) was given for local application over the tongue (Jivha Pratisarana and Prashan) same as for internal administration also for 45 days. Assessment of stuttering was done by using the parameters of the SSI-4 scale fortnightly. Results- Positive results were seen in both groups. On the 90^th day, follow-up showed both the group was reduced stuttering and there was an improvement in the fluency of speech. Conclusion- Significant results were noted in both the interventions with less % of regression of stuttering after treatment.