Evaluation of Bruhaniya Effects of Kushmanda Granules and Ashwagandha Granules in Karshya: A Randomised Controlled Trial Protocol

Abstract

Introduction: Ayurveda asserts that a healthy diet can prevent many health issues. Food is essential as a source of nutrition and possesses significant medicinal value. Nutritional deficiencies, often referred to as undernutrition, arise from insufficient dietary intake. Karshya is a condition in which an individual's body becomes emaciated, characterised by a reduced quantity of rasa dhatu, leading to a state of Mamsahinata or Manskshaya. Need for the Study: Many individuals experience a lack of confidence and depression due to their emaciated condition. Various nutritional and bulk-promoting products available in the market are often very costly. Ashwagandha is commonly used by Ayurveda practitioners for its Bruhan effect. Although Kushmanda is mentioned as Bruhaniya in the Bhavaprakash Nighantu, there have been very few studies conducted on it. Since Kushmanda is more economical than Ashwagandha, research is needed to explore this cost-effective bulk-promoting medicine. Aim: To conduct a comparative evaluation of the Bruhaniya (bulk-promoting) effects of Kushmanda granules (Benincasa hispida) and Ashwagandha granules (Withania Somnifera Linn.) in cases of Karshya (Undernutrition). Materials and Methods: A single-blinded, randomised controlled trial will be conducted at the Department of Kayachikitsa, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurveda College Hospital and Research Centre (MGACHRC), Salad Hirapur (H), Maharashtra, India, from October 2023 to September 2024. A total of 60 subjects will be divided into two groups for the present study, with 30 subjects in each group. In Group A, Trikatu Churna will be administered in doses of 2 grams once a day with lukewarm water for the first seven days, followed by Ashwagandha granules in doses of 10 grams with milk twice a day for 90 days. In Group B, 2 grams of Trikatu Churna will be given once a day with lukewarm water for the first seven days, followed by Kushmanda granules in doses of 10 grams with milk twice a day for 90 days. Assessments will be made on the 0, 30th, 60th, and 90th days. The assessment will be based on improvements in body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and arm and waist circumference. Statistical analysis will be performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0, and the statistical tests applied will include the Chi-square test, Wilcoxon’s rank sum test, and Wilcoxon’s signed rank test, with a significance level set at 0.05.

Keywords

• dietary supplements
• durbala
• emaciation
• nutrition
• rasa dhatu