Glycyrrhiza glabra in acute conjunctivitis
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Glycyrrhiza glabra in acute conjunctivitis
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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C. Srinivas
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Glycyrrhiza glabra in acute conjunctivitis
Year: 1986
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study conducted by C. Srinivas at the Government Nizamia General Hospital in Hyderabad focuses on the efficacy of Glycyrrhiza glabra in treating acute conjunctivitis, a common bacterial eye infection frequently seen in unhygienic conditions. Historically, this condition is recognized in ancient Indian medicine, classified as OUPASARGIKA or infectious disease, with various references across classical texts. While modern medicine provides multiple antibiotic options, such as Chloramphenicol, concerns about potential damage to ocular tissues and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria necessitate exploring alternative treatments. Glycyrrhiza glabra, known as 'YASTTMADHU' in Sanskrit, has been prescribed traditionally for conjunctivitis and shows promise according to prior studies.
Efficacy of Glycyrrhiza Glabra
In the comparative clinical study, fifty patients were divided into two groups, one receiving Glycyrrhiza glabra eye drops while the other was treated with Chloramphenicol. An encouraging outcome was observed in the Glycyrrhiza glabra group, where 25 patients began to experience a reduction of acute clinical signs and symptoms by the fourth day, with complete recovery in 5 to 7 days for the majority. Itching was notably relieved faster than other symptoms, and the drug's calming and tonic properties appear beneficial. Despite three to four cases showing no response, the results suggest that Glycyrrhiza glabra can effectively alleviate symptoms of acute conjunctivitis, particularly those originating from inflammatory causes.
Conclusion
The study concludes that Glycyrrhiza glabra holds significant potential as a treatment for acute conjunctivitis, demonstrating favorable outcomes that support its traditional use in Indian medicine. Given its cost-effectiveness and the presence of cortico-steroid-like compounds that may enhance conjunctival resistance, Glycyrrhiza glabra provides a viable alternative to established antibiotics. This research highlights the need to further explore natural remedies in modern medicine, potentially reducing reliance on synthetic antibiotics and addressing concerns of resistance and ocular damage.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main purpose of the study on Glycyrrhiza glabra?
The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Glycyrrhiza glabra in treating acute conjunctivitis compared to Chloramphenicol, an established antibiotic.
What were the symptoms observed in patients with conjunctivitis?
Patients exhibited various symptoms, including discharge, itching, photophobia, foreign body sensation, pain, burning sensation, and lid swelling, with discharge being observed in 44 cases.
What were the results of using Glycyrrhiza glabra for conjunctivitis treatment?
Out of 25 patients treated with Glycyrrhiza glabra, 21 showed significant improvement, with symptoms subsiding within 5 to 7 days. However, 3 to 4 cases did not respond.
How does Glycyrrhiza glabra compare to Chloramphenicol in treatment?
Both treatments showed similar success rates, but Glycyrrhiza glabra exhibited faster relief of symptoms like itching and lid congestion compared to Chloramphenicol.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Glycyrrhiza glabra in acute conjunctivitis”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Glycyrrhiza glabra:
Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as Licorice, is a crucial herb utilized in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, it was emphasized as a natural treatment for acute conjunctivitis, showing positive effects on symptoms. Its historical use in various cultures underlines its significance in both ancient and modern healthcare practices.
2) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. In the context of this study, ‘Medicine’ represents both modern antibiotics and ancient Indian Ayurvedic alternatives like Glycyrrhiza glabra. The juxtaposition of these methods highlights the evolution of therapeutic approaches in managing conditions like conjunctivitis.
3) Itching:
Itching is a prominent symptom of conjunctivitis, causing discomfort and leading to further irritation if left unaddressed. In the study, it was observed that Glycyrrhiza glabra significantly alleviated this symptom earlier than others, underscoring its potential effectiveness in treating ocular infections and improving patient comfort rapidly.
4) Drug:
In this context, 'drug' refers specifically to the therapeutic agents used for treating conjunctivitis, including Glycyrrhiza glabra and Chloramphenicol. This term encapsulates both traditional herbs and modern pharmaceuticals, illustrating the diverse approaches to treatment in medicine and the importance of efficacy in symptom management.
5) Water:
Water plays a pivotal role in the preparation of herbal extracts, as seen in the study where Glycyrrhiza glabra was water-extracted. The solvent assists in dissolving the active constituents of the herb, contributing to the formulation of a therapeutic drop for ocular application, crucial for achieving desired medicinal effects.
6) Burning sensation:
The burning sensation is another key symptom associated with conjunctivitis, representing irritation caused by inflammation. The study mentions it as one of the symptoms monitored for patient responses. Addressing this symptom effectively is essential for improving overall patient comfort and recovery, making it significant in clinical assessments.
7) Substance:
Substance in the study refers to the active chemical components found in Glycyrrhiza glabra, particularly glycyrrhizin and cortico-steroid-like substances. These substances are believed to contribute to the herb's therapeutic effects in treating conjunctivitis by enhancing anti-inflammatory responses and potentially bolstering conjunctival resistance to infections.
8) Discussion:
Discussion in the study involves analyzing the findings from the clinical trial, emphasizing the results of using Glycyrrhiza glabra versus Chloramphenicol. This section elaborates on the implications of the study's outcomes, integrating scientific assessments and traditional knowledge to assess the value of alternative treatments in modern healthcare.
9) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotics are substances that eliminate or inhibit the growth of bacteria and are commonly used in modern medicine for treating infections. Chloramphenicol, used in the comparative study, represents modern pharmacological interventions. However, concerns about bacterial resistance and ocular damage emphasize the necessity of exploring alternative therapies such as herbal remedies.
10) Swelling:
Swelling is a symptom indicative of inflammation often linked to conjunctivitis, resulting from increased blood flow and fluid buildup. The study notes that Glycyrrhiza glabra helped reduce swelling, thereby highlighting its role in managing symptoms and providing relief from the discomfort associated with conjunctival infections.
11) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygienic refers to practices aimed at maintaining cleanliness and preventing infections, crucial in managing conjunctivitis. The study stressed the importance of strict hygiene to avoid the spread of infection among patients, illustrating the intersection of cleanliness with effective treatment and management of eye diseases.
12) Science (Scientific):
Science in this context represents the systematic study of health and disease, integrating evidence-based findings with traditional knowledge. The research illustrates this synergy by exploring the clinical efficacy of an herb within a scientific framework, aiming to validate ancient medicinal practices through modern scientific scrutiny.
13) Caraka (Cāraka, Cārāka):
Caraka refers to one of the foundational texts in ancient Indian medicine, emphasizing the long-standing tradition of Ayurvedic practices. The mention of Caraka highlights the historical context of conjunctivitis treatment and substantiates the efficacy of Glycyrrhiza glabra, linking ancient wisdom with contemporary medical research.
14) Cina (Cīna, Cīnā, Ciṉa, Ciṉā, Cīṉā, Cinā):
China represents a geographical and cultural context where Glycyrrhiza glabra has historically been utilized for its therapeutic benefits. Its mention indicates the herb's widespread recognition beyond India, celebrating a shared global heritage of herbal medicine and the import of herbal remedies in managing health conditions across diverse cultures.