A CLINICAL STUDY ON ADD-ON EFFECTIVENESS OF MATSYAKSHI SHIRO THALAM (Alteranthera sessilis L.) IN CHITTODVEGA W.R.T. GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is defined as excessive anxiety and worry about several events or activities for most days than not during at least a 6-month periodGAD is becoming more prevalent in general population with its prevalence ranges from 3-8% annually, with around 25% of individuals seeking psychological help exhibiting symptoms of GAD Globally, approximately 3.6% of the population suffers from anxiety disorders with India having a weighted prevalence of 0.57% The symptoms of GAD include excessive anxiety and worry difficulty controlling the worrying restlessness irritability trouble concentrating sleeplessness having a sense of impending danger along with some somatic symptoms such as palpitations sweating trembling or shaking nausea or abdominal distress etc If left unchecked in the course of time GAD might lead to psychosomatic disorders such as like irritable bowel syndrome depression insomnia drug or alcohol use disorder gastrointestinal problems and may even impair the quality of life ultimately resulting in suicide potentialIn contemporary science anxiety is tackled with the use of anti-depressants and benzodiazepines which on chronic use leads to physiological dependence short-term cognitive and psychomotor impairment and rebound anxiety upon discontinuation Chittodvega is a manovikara explained in the classics of Ayurveda which is a literal combination of Chitta and Udvega which means anxious state of mind. Chittodvega is efficiently treated with various Ayurvedic therapies with reflective benefits One such unique therapy mentioned is Murdhni taila that includes Shiro Abhyanga Seka Pichu andBasti**Shiro Thalam is a modified form of Shiro lepa used extensively in Kerala for treating various shiro and manasa rogas where in the ground paste of medicinal herbs are applied over the vertex of the head for a stipulated period of time

Matsyakshi Thalam (Alteranthera sessilis; Amaranthaceae family*)* has been practiced by Sri Lankan Vaidyas as an indigenous therapy in treating anxiety disorders Matsyakshi is an abundantly available herb in southern India, used in the local practice of Karnataka in promoting the intelligence Matsyakshi is known for its central nervous system stimulating action anxiolytic  property nootropic property and anti-depressant activity Here in this study an attempt has been made to evaluate the efficacy of Matsyakshi Thalam particularly its probable mode of action in treating GAD