2008
Yogesh S. Deole, H. M. Chandola
Abstract
Depression is the commonest psychiatric disorder affecting 121 million peoples worldwide. Vishada and Avasada are the two conditions in Ayurveda , which are similar to depression. Ayurveda is enriched with various 'Medhya rasayana drugs' in which Brahmi ghrita is one herbal formulation. A randomized placebo controlled clinical trial was carried out with the aim to evaluate the anti depressant and psychoactive effect of Brahmi ghrita on depression. Total 42 patients fulfilling the DSM-IV criteria for major depressive episode were registered for study.
Out of 42, 35 patients completed the treatment. In these, total 25 patients were managed with Brahmi ghrita and 17 with placebo capsule. In the former group, 20 patients completed the treatment, whereas in the later, 15 patients completed treatment. Specialized Ayurvedic rating scales like Manasa Pariksha Bhava, Manasa Vibhrama Pariksha as well as Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (H.D.R.S.) was adopted to assess the effect of therapy. The effects were also examined on Chief complaints and associated complaints of depression.
When effect on H.D.R.S. was analyzed, Brahmi ghrita showed moderate improvement in 50% patients and mild improvement in 35% patients. Its total effect was statistically highly significant (p<0.005) as compared to placebo. Also, in overall effect, Brahmi ghrita resulted in moderate improvement for 40% patients and mild improvement for 55% patients, which is statistically significant at 1% level as compared to placebo.
