Efficacy of Vasantik Vaman Karma (Therapeutic Emesis) on Oxidative Stress Markers in Healthy VolunteersA Pilot Randomised Controlled Study

Abstract

Introduction: Vamana karma is a therapeutic emesis procedure recommended for maintaining health in healthy individuals. It is said to be conducted during the Vasant rutu (spring season) and is referred to as Vasantik Vaman. During this season, there is an aggravation of Kapha dosha, which can lead to various diseases. The bio-purification of the body in Vasant rutu through the Vaman procedure helps to detoxify and rejuvenate the body. To make this practice evidence-based, the present study was planned to evaluate the efficacy of Vamana karma, which is also considered a shodhana karma, in reducing oxidative stress. Aim: To compare the efficacy of Vasantik Vamana karma on Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) levels as markers of oxidative stress in healthy volunteers, compared to a non interventional group. Materials and Methods: The present randomised controlled study was conducted in the Department of Kriyasharir, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College, Hospital and Research Centre, under the auspices of Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education University, Wardha, Maharashtra, India, from March 2023 to April 2023 during the Vasant rutu. A total of 58 healthy individuals aged between 20 years and 40 years were sensitised regarding the procedure and benefits of Vasantik Vamana karma. After sensitisation, 30 volunteers who provided written consent for participation in the study were enrolled, examined and randomly divided into two groups: Group A (non interventional) and Group B (interventional). Both groups were assessed on the 0th day and the 15th day for oxidative stress markers, specifically free radicals (MDA) and antioxidant (SOD) levels. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics, including Student’s paired and unpaired t-tests. Results: The mean±Standard Deviation (SD) age of participants was 21.23±0.37 years, with participation almost equal from both genders. Before the intervention, SOD and MDA levels were similar in both the control and interventional groups. After the intervention of Vasantik Vamana karma, Group B showed an increase in SOD levels and a decrease in MDA levels, which were statistically highly significant according to the paired t-test (p-value≤0.001) in comparison to the non interventional group. In the non interventional group, p-value=0.951 for SOD levels and 0.551 for MDA levels by paired t-test, which were not significant. When both groups were compared using an unpaired test, at pre-intervention, both groups were at the same level, but after the intervention, statistically significant results were observed in Group B (p-value≤0.001). Conclusion: The present study concluded that Vasantik Vamana karma, as a bio-purification process, Vasantik Vamana karma has proven to be highly effective in detoxifying the body by reducing oxidative stress in healthy volunteers.

Keywords

• bio-purification process
• malondialdehyde
• shodhana karma
• superoxide dismutase