Clinical evaluation of effect of gandhaka taila in karnasrava with special reference to chronic suppurative otitis media

Abstract

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is the result of an initial episode of acute otitis media and is characterized by recurrent discharge from the middle ear through a tympanic perforation. It is an important cause of preventable hearing loss, especially in developing countries. Most approaches to treatment have been unsatisfactory or are very expensive and difficult. As per Acharya Sushruta Karnasrava is a disease characterized by ear discharge. Gandhaka taila is a unique oil based herbo-mineral formulation especially mentioned for Karnasrava with the procedure of karnapurana. To provide clinical evidence and to prove Gandhaka taila as a safe and effective medicine in chronic suppurative otitis media, this study has been carried out. In this study, 23 patients fulfilling the diagnostic and inclusion criteria of CSOM were selected and Gandhaka taila was instilled in to the affected ear for 7 days. The efficacy of the drug was analyzed in terms of the relief produced in the signs and symptoms before and after treatment. The paired t-test was used to check the significance of subjective and objective criteria. The results of the study were found encouraging and there was also a significant reduction in ear discharge.