Effect of Balamula Ghrita and Mashasaindhava in Cervical Spondylosis
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Effect of Balamula Ghrita Uttarabhaktika Sneha and Mashasaindhava Taila Pichu in the Management of Cervical Spondylosis - A Single Arm Prospective Open Randomized Clinical Study
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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S. Ranjani
PG Scholar, Dept of Samskrt Samhita Siddhant, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Ayurveda College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.
Pradeep Kumar Moharana
Professor, Guide, Dept of Samskrt Samhita Siddhant, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Ayurveda College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.
S. Swaminathan
Professor, HOD, Dept of Samskrt Samhita Siddhant, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Ayurveda College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Effect of Balamula Ghrita Uttarabhaktika Sneha and Mashasaindhava Taila Pichu in the Management of Cervical Spondylosis - A Single Arm Prospective Open Randomized Clinical Study
Year: 2022 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v9i5.1072
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative condition affecting the cervical spine, leading to symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, and radiating pain into the arms. This study evaluated the therapeutic effects of Ayurvedic treatments, specifically Balamula Ghritam (an internal medication) and Mashasaindhava Tailam (an external application), on managing cervical spondylosis. Conducted as a single-arm prospective open randomized clinical trial involving 40 patients, the research aimed to assess the efficacy of these treatments over a period of 21 days. The results demonstrated significant improvement in both subjective and objective parameters, highlighting the potential of these Ayurvedic interventions in alleviating the symptoms of cervical spondylosis.
Role of Balamula Ghritam
Balamula Ghritam, made from the root of Sida cordifolia and cow's ghee, possesses numerous beneficial properties. This preparation is known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects, which contribute to bone health and overall wellness. The active components, particularly betaine and choline, inhibit osteoclastogenesis, thereby maintaining bone density and strength. The study emphasizes the relevance of digestion in enhancing the therapeutic effects of Balamula Ghritam, illustrating how its nutritional properties can be effectively absorbed and delivered to target tissues, such as the cervical spine, for increased tissue repair and nourishment.
Effectiveness of Mashasaindhava Tailam
Mashasaindhava Tailam is composed of black gram, rock salt, and sesame oil. Its application as a pichu (external pack) enhances the penetration of active ingredients through the skin, promoting localized therapeutic effects. The intervention helps reduce oxidative stress, alleviate pain, and improve inflammatory symptoms associated with cervical spondylosis. The combination of high antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory compounds, and essential minerals in this formulation contributes significantly to the enhancement of bone mineral density and overall cervical spine health. The study supports the effectiveness of this tailored external treatment in reducing symptoms and improving cervical range of motion.
Conclusion
The findings from this clinical study substantiate the efficacy of both Balamula Ghritam and Mashasaindhava Tailam in managing cervical spondylosis. By addressing oxidative stress and promoting tissue repair, these Ayurvedic treatments can serve as valuable components in the holistic management of degenerative spine conditions. Although the study noted limitations such as sample size and treatment duration, it sets a foundation for further research exploring the biochemical mechanisms behind these Ayurvedic formulations. This research underlines the importance of integrating traditional Ayurvedic principles with modern clinical practices to advance treatment options for conditions like cervical spondylosis.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the purpose of the study on Cervical Spondylosis?
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Balamula Ghritam and Mashasaindhava Tailam in managing cervical spondylosis. It investigates both internal and external treatment methods to reduce symptoms like pain, stiffness, and improved mobility.
What are the key ingredients used in Balamula Ghritam?
Balamula Ghritam primarily contains Sida cordifolia root and cow's ghee. These ingredients are known for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties, which may help in treating conditions like cervical spondylosis.
How was the effectiveness of the treatments assessed?
The treatments' effectiveness was evaluated using subjective and objective parameters such as pain levels, muscle power, reflex assessments, and range of motion. Statistical tests, such as the Friedman test and paired sample t-test, were employed for analysis.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Effect of Balamula Ghrita and Mashasaindhava in Cervical Spondylosis”. 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) Pain:
Pain is a common symptom assessed in clinical studies of cervical spondylosis. This study focused on evaluating pain relief provided by Balamula Ghrita and Mashasaindhava Tailam. CFR disease causes significant neck pain that can be managed with the specified Ayurvedic treatments.
2) Picu:
Pichu refers to an external pack used in Ayurvedic therapy. In this study, Mashasaindhava Tailam was applied as a Pichu over the cervical area to provide relief from the symptoms of cervical spondylosis including pain and stiffness.
3) Stiffness:
Stiffness in the cervical spine is a symptom of cervical spondylosis. This was assessed as part of the study to determine the effectiveness of Balamula Ghrita and Mashasaindhava Tailam in reducing neck stiffness after 21 days of treatment.
4) Sneha:
Sneha means 'unctuous substance' or 'oil' in Ayurvedic terms. Here, Balamula Ghrita (a type of Sneha) was administered internally as Uttarabhaktika Sneha to treat cervical spondylosis by providing lubrication and nourishment to the spine.
5) Mineral:
Minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium in Saindhava are crucial for bone health. The high mineral content in Mashasaindhava Tailam plays a role in improving bone mineral density and preventing osteoporosis in cervical spondylosis patients.
6) Drug:
An Ayurvedic medicine or drug like Balamula Ghrita and Mashasaindhava Tailam is used for therapeutic purposes in this study. They were selected for their specific properties to manage symptoms of cervical spondylosis.
7) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the traditional Indian system of medicine practiced for centuries. This study employs Ayurvedic principles and treatments like Balamula Ghrita and Mashasaindhava Tailam for managing cervical spondylosis.
8) Blood:
Blood circulation is important for delivering nutrients and medicine to affected areas. The study administered Balamula Ghrita internally, which after digestion enters the blood, reaching the cervical spine to mitigate symptoms of cervical spondylosis.
9) Bala:
Bala (Sida cordifolia) is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Balamula (root of Bala) was used in the preparation of Balamula Ghrita to treat cervical spondylosis.
10) Mahabhuta (Maha-bhuta):
In Ayurveda, Mahabhuta refers to the five great elements. The study mentions that Vayu Mahabhuta causes deterioration of qualities of Kapha in the cervical region, necessitating the use of treatments containing Prithvi and Jala Mahabhuta.
11) Ranjani (Ramjani):
[see source text or glossary: Ranjani]
12) Dravya:
Dravya in Ayurveda refers to the substance or ingredients used in formulations. Balamula Dravya and the Dravya in Mashasaindhava Tailam (such as Masha and Saindhava Lavana) were crucial in this study.
13) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita means clarified butter or ghee used in Ayurvedic preparations. Balamula Ghrita was administered internally in the study to manage cervical spondylosis due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
14) Taila (Thaila):
Taila refers to oil used in Ayurvedic treatments. Mashasaindhava Tailam is an oil prepared using Masha and Saindhava, applied externally as Pichu in the study to manage cervical spondylosis.
15) Masha (Masa, Ma-sha):
Masha (Vigna mungo) is black gram, used here for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in preparation of Mashasaindhava Tailam. Its high antioxidant content helps in managing symptoms of cervical spondylosis.
16) Jala:
Jala or water is one of the Mahabhutas. The study emphasizes using treatments containing Jala Mahabhuta to counter the effects of aggravated Vayu Mahabhuta in cervical spondylosis.
17) Saindhava (Saimdhava):
Saindhava refers to rock salt (Saindhava Lavana), rich in minerals. In this study, it was a component of Mashasaindhava Tailam, chosen for its anti-inflammatory and mineral-enhancing properties.
18) Sida (Shida):
Sida cordifolia, known as Bala, is utilized in Balamula Ghrita for its medicinal properties, which include anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, beneficial in treating cervical spondylosis.
19) Tila:
Tila (sesame) oil, known as Taila, is used in Ayurvedic preparations. In this study, Tila Tailam forms the base oil for Mashasaindhava Tailam, applied externally to treat cervical spondylosis.
20) Food:
Food intake timing is crucial in Ayurveda. In this study, Balamula Ghrita was administered as Uttarabhaktika Sneha, meaning it was taken after food to ensure proper digestion and absorption.
21) Ghi (Ghee):
Ghee is clarified butter used in Ayurvedic medicine for its health benefits. Balamula Ghrita prepared with ghee was used internally in the study to treat cervical spondylosis.
22) Medicine:
Medicine in the form of Balamula Ghrita and Mashasaindhava Tailam was used to treat the symptoms of cervical spondylosis. The medicines were chosen based on their properties and effectiveness in Ayurvedic treatment.
23) Disease:
Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative disease studied here. The Ayurvedic approach applied involved internal (Balamula Ghrita) and external (Mashasaindhava Tailam) treatments to manage the disease symptoms.
24) Repair:
Repair of bones and tissues is crucial in cervical spondylosis treatment. Both Balamula Ghrita and Mashasaindhava Tailam promote repair by providing nutrients and reducing inflammation.
25) Mula:
Mula means root in Sanskrit. The root of Bala (Sida cordifolia) was used in Balamula Ghrita for its therapeutic effects in managing cervical spondylosis.
26) Madhura:
Madhura means sweet. The Balamula Ghritam has Madhura rasa (sweet taste), which contributes to its nourishing properties, suitable for treating degenerative conditions like cervical spondylosis.
27) Snehana:
Snehana means oleation therapy in Ayurveda. Internal Snehana with Balamula Ghrita and external Snehana with Mashasaindhava Tailam aimed to lubricate and nourish tissues in cervical spondylosis patients.
28) Prithvi (Prthvi):
Prithvi or earth is one of the Mahabhutas. Treatments containing Prithvi Mahabhuta are used in Ayurveda to counter the deterioration caused by aggravated Vayu in cervical spondylosis.
29) Snigdha:
Snigdha means unctuous or oily. Balamula Ghrita has Snigdha guna, making it effective in treating cervical spondylosis by providing lubrication and nourishment to the affected areas.
30) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda. Cervical spondylosis involves the deterioration of Kapha qualities in the cervical spine, which is addressed by treatments like Balamula Ghrita and Mashasaindhava Tailam.
31) Saindhavalavana (Saindhava-lavana, Saimdhavalavana):
Saindhava-lavana is rock salt. In the study, Saindhava was used as an ingredient in Mashasaindhava Tailam for its mineral-rich composition, which aids in bone and tissue health.
32) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformation in Ayurveda refers to the conversion of food or medicine into body tissues. Balamula Ghrita undergoes a transformation to nourish and repair the cervical spine in spondylosis patients.
33) Transmission:
Transmission refers to the movement of medicinal properties through the body. Balamula Ghrita's active ingredients are transmitted via the blood to the site of cervical spondylosis for treatment.
34) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a key symptom in cervical spondylosis. Both Balamula Ghrita and Mashasaindhava Tailam have anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective in reducing inflammation and associated symptoms.
35) Vigna mungo:
Vigna mungo, known as Masha or black gram, was used in Mashasaindhava Tailam for its properties like reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the management of cervical spondylosis.
36) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are compounds with antioxidant properties. In this study, flavonoids in Masha and other ingredients of Mashasaindhava Tailam help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in cervical spondylosis.
37) Pradesha (Pradesa):
Pradesha refers to a region or area. In the context of this study, Greeva pradesha (cervical region) was treated with Balamula Ghrita and Mashasaindhava Tailam for cervical spondylosis.
38) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana is a rejuvenation therapy in Ayurveda. Medicines like Balamula Ghrita used in this study have Rasayana properties, meaning they rejuvenate and nourish tissues affected by cervical spondylosis.
39) Samhita:
Samhita refers to classical Ayurvedic texts. The preparation methods for Balamula Ghrita and Mashasaindhava Tailam followed standard methods from Sarangadhara Samhita, an authoritative text in Ayurveda.
40) Chennai:
Chennai is a city in Tamil Nadu, India. The study was conducted at Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Ayurveda College and Hospital, based in Chennai.
41) Kvatha:
Kvatha refers to a decoction. In the preparation of Balamula Ghrita and Mashasaindhava Tailam, specific ingredients were decocted to extract their medicinal properties.
42) Lavana:
Lavana means salt. Saindhava Lavana (rock salt) is used in the preparation of Mashasaindhava Tailam for its medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and mineral-enhancing effects.
43) Griva:
Greeva refers to the neck or cervical region. The study focused on treating cervical spondylosis, a condition affecting the Greeva pradesha, using Ayurvedic treatments.
44) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha refers to the three bio-energies in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Vata dosha is primarily aggravated in cervical spondylosis, causing symptoms that the treatments aim to balance.
45) Kappa:
Kappa is part of the NF-κB pathway. The study highlights that antioxidants in Balamula Ghrita and Mashasaindhava Tailam inhibit the kappa B ligand pathway to reduce osteoclast activity in cervical spondylosis.
46) Karma (Karman):
Karma means action or effect in Ayurveda. The study evaluates the therapeutic karma (actions) of Balamula Ghrita and Mashasaindhava Tailam in reducing symptoms of cervical spondylosis.
47) Kalka:
Kalka refers to a paste of herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine. Balamula and other ingredients were made into a Kalka for the preparation of Balamula Ghrita and Mashasaindhava Tailam.
48) Ushna (Usna):
Ushna means hot. Ushna jala (hot water) was prescribed after administering Balamula Ghrita to help with digestion and absorption of the medicine in the treatment of cervical spondylosis.
49) Stana:
[see source text or glossary: Stana]
50) India:
India is the birthplace of Ayurveda where the study was conducted. At Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Ayurveda College and Hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, the effectiveness of Ayurvedic treatments on cervical spondylosis was examined.
51) Balya:
Balya means strength-providing. Ingredients like Balamula in Balamula Ghrita have Balya properties, which help strengthen bones and tissues affected by cervical spondylosis.
52) Vata:
Vata is one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda. In cervical spondylosis, Vata is aggravated, leading to symptoms which are managed by treatments like Balamula Ghrita and Mashasaindhava Tailam.
53) Vayu:
Vayu or air is one of the Mahabhutas and a component of Vata Dosha. Aggravation of Vayu causes deterioration in cervical spondylosis, which treatments containing Prithvi and Jala aims to balance.
54) Guna:
Guna means qualities. Balamula Ghrita possesses Snigdha (unctuous) and other Guna that help treat cervical spondylosis by lubricating and nourishing affected tissues.
55) Rheumatoid arthritis:
[see source text or glossary: Rheumatoid arthritis]
56) Rock salt:
Rock salt or Saindhava Lavana, rich in minerals, is used in Mashasaindhava Tailam. It provides essential minerals and has anti-inflammatory properties beneficial in treating cervical spondylosis.
57) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological actions of ingredients like Balamula and Saindhava include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which are leveraged in this study to treat cervical spondylosis.
58) Ranjakapitta (Ranjaka-pitta):
Ranjaka-pitta is related to blood formation in Ayurveda. Proper functioning of Ranjaka-pitta ensures healthy blood circulation, aiding the distribution of Balamula Ghrita's nourishing properties to affected areas.
59) Sahasravirya (Sahasra-virya):
Sahasravirya means having a thousand powerful properties. Ghee, a component of Balamula Ghrita, is said to enlighten the properties, potency, and therapeutic action of the drugs with which it is processed.
60) Tridoshahara (Tridosahara, Tridosha-hara):
Tridoshahara means balancing the three Doshas. Balamula Ghrita has Tridoshahara properties, making it effective in managing cervical spondylosis by balancing Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Doshas.
61) Madhurarasa (Madhura-rasa):
Madhura-rasa means sweet taste. Balamula Ghritam has Madhura-rasa, which provides nourishing and calming qualities, beneficial in treating degenerative conditions like cervical spondylosis.
62) Tuberculosis:
[see source text or glossary: Tuberculosis]
63) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
Vata-dosha is primarily aggravated in cervical spondylosis. The study used Ayurvedic treatments like Balamula Ghrita and Mashasaindhava Tailam to balance the Vata-dosha and alleviate symptoms.
64) Anulomana:
Anulomana means promoting the natural downward movement of Vata. Balamula Ghrita and its ingredients help in Anulomana, improving bowel movements and other bodily functions in cervical spondylosis patients.
65) Ashtavidha (Astavidha, Ashtan-vidha):
[see source text or glossary: Astavidha]
66) Pittahara (Pitta-hara):
Pittahara means pacifying Pitta dosha. Ingredients in Balamula Ghrita and Mashasaindhava Tailam may possess Pittahara properties, helping balance doshas and treat cervical spondylosis.
67) Education:
[see source text or glossary: Education]
68) Tamilnadu (Tamil-nadu):
Tamilnadu is a state in southern India where the study was conducted. Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Ayurveda College and Hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, was the site of the research on cervical spondylosis.
69) Picchila:
Picchila means sticky or thick. Bala, used in Balamula Ghrita, is described as Picchila, contributing to its nourishing and lubricating properties, beneficial in cervical spondylosis treatment.
70) Brimhana (Brmhana):
Brimhana means nourishing. Balamula Ghritam possesses Brimhana properties, which help nourish and strengthen tissues, useful in treating degenerative conditions like cervical spondylosis.
71) Madhyama:
Madhyama means moderate. The study suggests that the dose of Balamula Ghrita could be increased to a Madhyama matra (moderate dosage) for quicker results in cervical spondylosis treatment.
72) Pradhana:
Pradhana means primary or main. Balamula Ghrita and Mashasaindhava Tailam, studied for their efficacy in cervical spondylosis treatment, are pradhana oushadhas (main medicines) used.
73) Sthairya:
Sthairya means stability. Balamula Ghritam helps provide stability to the cervical spine affected by spondylosis, enhancing strength and function.
74) Vatahara (Vata-ahara):
Vatahara means Vata-pacifying. Balamula Ghrita has Vatahara properties, making it effective in relieving symptoms caused by aggravated Vata-dosha in cervical spondylosis.
75) Vrishya (Vrsya):
Vrishya means aphrodisiac. However, in the context of this study, vrishya also implies strength-giving and nourishing properties of Balamula, which help treat cervical spondylosis.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 104]