A COMPARATIVE CLINICAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF BHAVAPRAKASHOKTA SHEPHALIKA PATRA KASHAYAM AND RASNA GUGGULU IN GRIDHRASI W.S.R. TO SCIATICA

The present clinical study entitled A Comparative Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Bhavaprakashokta Shephalika Patra Kashayam and Rasna Guggulu in Gridhrasi w.s.r. to Sciatica aims to evaluate and compare the therapeutic effects of two classical Ayurvedic formulations in the management of Gridhrasi, a Vatavyadhi closely correlated with sciatica.

Gridhrasi is characterized by  Ruka   Stambha Toda Muhuspandanaand  Sakthikshepa Nigrahaoften accompanied by Tandra, Gaurava, and Arochaka in Kaphanubandha type. The condition corresponds to the modern entity “sciatica,” involving radiating pain along the sciatic nerve due to compression or irritation.

The study is designed as a prospective, open-labelled, randomized clinical trial conducted on 40 patients, divided into two groups of 20 each.

Group A Shephalika Patra Kashayam   50 ml twice daily before meals

Group BRasna Guggulu   250 mg twice daily after meals

The treatment duration is 30 days, with a follow-up of 15 days, and both groups receive Ushna Jala as Anupana.

Both formulations are selected for their Vata-Kapha Shamak, Vedanasthapana, Amapachaka, and Shothahara properties.

Shephalika Patra Kashayam *Vitex negundo Linn.*possesses Ushna Veerya and Katu Vipaka, aiding in pain and inflammation reduction and Amapachana.

Rasna Guggulu combines Rasna Pluchea lanceolataand Guggulu  Commiphora mukul providing potent Vatashamaka, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic actions.

This study seeks to establish a comparative evaluation of these two Ayurvedic regimens to determine which provides better relief in terms of pain, stiffness, and functional improvement, thereby offering an effective, safe, and economical alternative for the management of Gridhrasi