Clinical trial of candanasava, in the treatment of urinary tract infection
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Clinical trial of candanasava, in the treatment of urinary tract infection
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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K. N. Goel, R. H. Singh
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Clinical trial of candanasava, in the treatment of urinary tract infection
Year: 1991
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The prevalence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) is a significant clinical issue, especially in India, where it often leads to chronic conditions and renal failure. Despite the availability of modern treatments, challenges such as inadequate efficacy, side effects, and the emergence of resistant bacterial strains have prompted a search for affordable and effective alternatives. This study explores the efficacy of Candanasava, an Ayurvedic herbal formulation, in treating UTIs, aiming to evaluate its potential benefits as a safe and effective remedy in a clinical setting.
Antimicrobial and Host-Modifying Properties of Candanasava
Candanasava is believed to provide relief from urinary tract infections not only through an antiseptic action but also by enhancing the host's defense mechanisms. The formulation contains various herbal ingredients such as Santalum album and Cyperus rotundus, which possess properties that may soothe the local mucosa of the urinary tract, thereby alleviating symptoms like burning and dysuria. The study found substantial symptomatic improvement in patients over six weeks, indicated by a reduction in the severity of symptoms and urinary abnormalities, despite urine cultures not always becoming sterile. The potential influence of Candanasava on the chemical composition of urine could also create an unfriendly environment for pathogens, thus contributing to symptom relief and infection control.
Conclusion
The clinical trial results suggest that Candanasava is an effective treatment for urinary tract infections, demonstrating significant improvements in both symptoms and urinary findings. While the study indicates a reduction in key urinary indicators such as pus cells and albumin, further investigations are warranted to fully understand the mechanisms behind its efficacy. The findings underscore the importance of considering herbal formulations as viable alternatives in treating common ailments, particularly in resource-limited settings where conventional treatments may fall short. Future research can enhance our understanding of these ancient remedies and their roles in modern medicine.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Candanasava and how is it related to urinary tract infections?
Candanasava is an Ayurvedic herbal formulation used to treat urinary tract infections. It provides significant relief by acting as an urinary antiseptic and possibly enhancing host resistance against infections.
What were the common symptoms among patients with urinary tract infections?
The predominant symptoms included burning during micturition, dysuria, and increased frequency of urination. These symptoms were recorded and graded based on severity during the study.
What was the study's duration and how was Candanasava administered?
The study lasted six weeks, during which Candanasava was administered at a dose of 40 ml per day, divided into two doses after meals, mixed with equal amounts of water.
What were the results regarding the effectiveness of Candanasava in the study?
The study showed significant symptomatic improvement and favorable shifts in urinary findings, with a decrease in pus cells, albumin, and other urinary abnormalities, though not all cases became sterile.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Clinical trial of candanasava, in the treatment of urinary tract infection”. 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) Drug:
The keyword 'Drug' refers to Candanasava, an Ayurvedic herbal formulation evaluated in the study for its efficacy in treating urinary tract infections. The aim was to investigate a safer and potentially effective alternative to modern antibiotics, as the rising resistance and side effects challenge current pharmaceutical therapies.
2) Dhataki (Dhātakī, Dhātaki):
Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa) is one of the herbs included in Candanasava. It is traditionally recognized for its mutraviranjaniya property, meaning it helps alter urine color, and has potential benefits for urinary health. Its inclusion suggests a multifaceted approach to treating urinary tract infections through herbal synergy.
3) Hara (Hāra):
The term 'Hara' is derived from Ayurvedic terminology that often denotes the capacity to alleviate conditions. In the context of this study, it emphasizes the holistic healing properties attributed to the herbal ingredients, where the aim is restoration of balance and relief from urinary symptoms.
4) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial indicates the property of a substance to inhibit bacterial growth. Candanasava's effectiveness in urinary tract infections suggests a possible antibacterial action, which may complement the traditional understanding of Ayurvedic formulations acting as urinary antiseptics, offering a comprehensive approach to infection management.
5) Gambhari (Gambhārī):
Gambhari (Gmelina arborea) is included in the formulation. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties (Sotha-hara), its role in Candanasava may aid in reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with urinary tract infections, thereby enhancing overall therapeutic results as suggested by the study's findings.
6) Candana (Candanā, Camdana):
Candana (Santalum album) serves as a critical ingredient, recognized in Ayurveda for its antiseptic and soothing effects on the urinary tract. The inclusion of this herb highlights the importance of certain constituents in augmenting the efficacy of the treatment against urinary infections in patients.
7) Science (Scientific):
The term scientific indicates the rigor applied in the clinical trial assessing Candanasava. It represents the systematic methodology of data collection and analysis that seeks to validate Ayurvedic treatments within a framework typically reserved for pharmaceutical research.
8) Patola (Paṭola):
Patola (Trichosanthes dioica), an ingredient of Candanasava, is believed to have anti-inflammatory (Sotha-hara) attributes. Its relevance in the study rests on its potential to alleviate symptoms of urinary tract infections, working alongside other herbal components to promote comprehensive urinary health.
9) Mutra (Mūtra):
Mutra means 'urine' in Sanskrit, playing a vital role in the context of urinary health. The formulation targets conditions related to urine, with many ingredients exhibiting properties beneficial for treating urinary infections and enhancing the overall function of the urinary system.
10) Patha (Pāṭhā, Pāṭha, Paṭha):
Patha (Cissampelos pareira) is known for its dual action—being anti-inflammatory and urinary supportive. Its significance lies in its role within Candanasava, contributing to the relief of urinary symptoms and enhancing the formulation's therapeutic efficacy in combating urinary tract infections.
11) Shukra (Śukrā, Śukra):
Sukra in Ayurveda relates to the reproductive and urinary systems. In the context of this study, it reflects on the broader Ayurvedic philosophy that considers the interplay between bodily systems, with Candanasava potentially benefiting overall health through its multi-systemic action.
12) Shotha (Śotha, Śoṭha, Soṭhā):
Sotha refers to inflammation in Ayurveda. Herbal constituents in Candanasava, like Gambhari, target inflammatory responses, which contribute to painful urinary tract symptoms, thus highlighting the formulation's role in addressing not just infection but simultaneous inflammation and discomfort management.
13) Blood:
The reference to 'Blood' may relate to the analysis of samples collected from patients. Monitoring blood urea and serum creatinine levels was an essential part of assessing renal function, vital for ensuring that Candanasava's use did not adversely affect the patients' overall health.
14) Prunus cerasoides:
Prunus cerasoides, also known as Padmakastha, is an ingredient in Candanasava recognized for its analgesic (Vedana-sthapana) properties. The inclusion of this herb likely contributes to the reduction of pain and discomfort experienced in urinary tract infections, serving a crucial role in symptom management.
15) Burning sensation:
Burning sensation is a prominent symptom of urinary tract infections. The study aimed to assess whether Candanasava could alleviate this discomfort through its soothing and anti-inflammatory constituents. Relief from such symptoms would indicate efficacy and support the drug's therapeutic claims.
16) Cyperus rotundus:
Cyperus rotundus, known as Mustaka, possesses antihyperlipidemic and diuretic properties within Ayurvedic medicine. Its inclusion in Candanasava suggests a compound design meant to provide holistic benefits, addressing not just infection but also related urinary and systemic symptoms.
17) Santalum album:
Santalum album, or Candana, is recognized for its antiseptic qualities. Its presence in Candanasava reinforces the formulation's intended action of targeting urinary infections by potentially reducing pathogen virulence, showcasing the blend of traditional wisdom with medicinal application in the study.
18) Trichosanthes dioica:
Trichosanthes dioica, or Patola, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Its relevance in Candanasava signals the formulation's aim not only to combat infection but also to relieve symptoms of irritation and swelling in the urinary tract, enhancing patient comfort and recovery.
19) Vedanasthapana (Vedanāsthāpana, Vedana-sthapana):
Vedana-sthapana means 'pain-relieving' in Sanskrit. This concept highlights the goal of Candanasava's herbal ingredients to alleviate painful symptoms associated with urinary tract infections, emphasizing the necessity of alleviating discomfort during treatment alongside the reduction of infection.
20) Dravyaguna (Dravyaguṇa, Dravya-guna):
Dravyaguna is the science of herbal properties in Ayurveda. It plays a crucial role in understanding how each ingredient within Candanasava contributes to its therapeutic effects. The study explored how these properties synergistically work together to address urinary tract infections holistically.
21) Bhaishajya (Bhaiṣajya):
Bhaishajya refers to 'medicinal substances' in Ayurveda. In this context, it underscores the traditional foundation of Candanasava's formulation, where each sourced herb is valued not just for its pharmacological benefit but also as part of a holistic healing strategy for urinary tract infections.
22) Discussion:
Discussion emphasizes the analysis and interpretation of study results. It elaborates on findings related to symptom relief and urinary analysis improvements with Candanasava, allowing for deeper insights into the clinical implications and potential for Ayurvedic treatments in current medical practices.
23) Kandughna (Kaṇḍughna, Kandu-ghna):
Kandughna denotes the property of alleviating itching or irritation. In the context of urinary tract infections, ingredients with this characteristic in Candanasava may aid in reducing discomfort related to symptoms experienced by patients, thus playing a significant role in therapeutic effectiveness.
24) Haritaki (Harītakī):
Haritaki represents another Ayurvedic herb that is often highlighted for its health benefits. Although not directly referenced in this study, it typically serves as a potent remedy for various ailments, signifying the realm of herbal possibilities in enhancing urinary health.
25) Sthapana (Sthāpanā, Sthāpana):
Sthapana means 'establishing' or 'putting in place' in Ayurveda. This concept is relevant in the context of symbiotic relations in healing, where a formulation like Candanasava aims to restore balance and health to the urinary system and alleviate acute symptoms effectively.
26) Bharati (Bhāratī):
Bharati refers to ancient textual traditions in Ayurveda. The study aligns with such traditions, documenting herbal remedies in a structured manner, showcasing the evolution of Ayurveda towards clinically validated practices that adhere to historical wisdom while supporting contemporary health needs.
27) Vighata (Vighāta):
Vighata means 'destruction' or 'disruption' in Ayurvedic terminology, often relating to the disturbance caused by disease. In urinary infections, this term emphasizes the formulation's goal: to mitigate pathogens and restore normal function, illustrating an intention to maintain bodily harmony.
28) Mutrala (Mūtrala):
Mutrala classifies substances that aid in urination, reflecting a vital role in the management of urinary syndromes. The inclusion of this property in Candanasava signifies its importance in treating urinary tract infections and promoting better urinary health.
29) Prakriti (Prakṛti):
Prakrti, meaning 'nature' or 'constitution', refers to the inherent qualities that determine an individual's health profile. In the study, it highlights the Ayurvedic understanding of treating the individual as a whole rather than just targeting symptoms, aligning with holistic treatment philosophies.
30) Vedana (Vedanā):
Vedana translates to 'pain' or 'sensation'. It underscores the importance of symptom assessment within the study. By mitigating Vedana associated with urinary tract infections, Candanasava aims to enhance patient quality of life throughout the treatment period.
31) Sharman (Śarma, Sarmā, Sarma, Sharma, Śarman):
Sharma might refer to a scholar in Ayurveda, typically contributing to textual literature. This acknowledgment suggests a bridging of traditional knowledge with modern clinical applications, supporting the study's basis and enhancing credibility through collective expertise in Ayurvedic medicine.
32) Ushira (Usīra, Uśīra, Usira, Uṣīra):
Usira (Vetiveria zizanoides) signifies another herbal component recognized for its medicinal uses. Its relevance in Candanasava emphasizes the diverse herbal ingredients synergistically working together to promote urinary health and mitigate infection signs presented by patients during the clinical study.
33) Kotha (Kōṭha, Koṭha):
Kotha refers to a property that acts as a suppressant or alleviator of certain conditions. In this context, it reinforces the study's goal of targeting urinary tract infections by leveraging the protective qualities of Ayurvedic herbs to suppress pathogenic growth effectively.
34) Water:
Water serves as a crucial vehicle for delivering Candanasava, illustrating its importance in treatment. The preparation method involves mixing the herbal formulation with water, indicating the significance of hydration and its potential role in urinary health throughout the course of treatment.
35) Meha:
Meha denotes urine in Ayurvedic texts, illustrating the central concern of the study centered around urinary health. Its acknowledgment emphasizes the evaluation of urinary symptoms and parameters as integral to understanding the effectiveness of Candanasava in treating infections.
36) Kuta (Kuṭa, Kūṭa, Kūṭā):
Kuta could refer to a specific preparation method or blend of ingredients used in Ayurvedic formulations. Its context emphasizes the meticulous approach to creating combined herbal formulations such as Candanasava, showcasing the intricate knowledge in developing effective traditional medicines.
37) Hand:
Hand could represent the manual skills and traditional practices involved in Ayurvedic medicine, where preparation and application of herbal formulations have been historically significant. This reflects the holistic approach in Ayurveda where practitioners apply both knowledge and skill to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.