A COMPARATIVE CLINICAL STUDY ON THE EFFICACY OF BHARANGIMOOLA ARKA FOR NEBULIZATION WITH VIBHEETAKI CHOORNA INTERNALLY AND TAMBOOLA PATRA ARKA FOR NEBULIZATION WITH VIBHEETAKI CHOORNA INTERNALLY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF BRONCHIAL ASTHMA

Bronchial Asthma is a heterogeneous disease, usually characterized by chronic airway inflammation. It is a clinical syndrome of recurrent attacks of expiratory dyspnea occurring in paroxysm and produced by generalized airway obstruction which is sufficiently reversible to give both subjective and objective relief of symptoms either spontaneously or by therapy. Acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma is characterized by episodes of recurrent wheeze, breathlessness, chest tightness and cough particularly at night or early morning. Tamaka swasa is one among the five verities of swasa roga produced due to the vitiation of kapha and vata dosha, along with the involvement of rasa dhatu in pranavaha srotas. On analysis of the symptoms of asthma it is more or less comparable to Tamaka swasa mentioned in Ayurveda classics. Inhalation therapy is the novel approach in Bronchial Asthma. Despite advancements in pharmacological treatments such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids, asthma management remains challenging for a significant portion of the patient population, with issues related to long-term medication use, side effects, and incomplete symptom control. These challenges have prompted the exploration of alternative and complementary therapies, particularly in the realm of Traditional Medicine, such as Ayurveda. In Ayurvedic medicine, respiratory disorders like asthma are often treated using a holistic approach that incorporates herbal formulations, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications. Bharangimoola Arka (extracted from Clerodendrum serratum) and Tamboola Patra Arka (made from Betel Nut leaves) are two such formulations with established efficacy in managing respiratory conditions. These herbal therapies are believed to possess bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties, making them potentially beneficial in the treatment of asthma. When used as a nebulization therapy, these formulations may directly deliver therapeutic compounds to the respiratory tract, helping alleviate airway constriction and inflammation. Additionally, Vibheetaki Choorna (a powder of Terminalia bellerica) is widely used in Ayurveda for its anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, and antioxidant properties. Its internal consumption in conjunction with nebulization therapy is believed to enhance the overall effectiveness in managing chronic respiratory diseases like asthma by strengthening the lungs and reducing recurrent exacerbations. This study aims to compare the efficacy of Bharangimoola Arka and Tamboola Patra Arka when used for nebulization therapy in combination with Vibheetaki Choorna taken internally, in the management of Bronchial Asthma. By evaluating both formulations through clinical trials, this research seeks to establish their therapeutic potential and scientific validation in the context of modern medicine.