EVALUATION OF THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF VACHADI GHRITA IN PATIENTS OF MILD TO MODERATE DEPRESSION

Abstract

Depressive disorders universally affect wide population due to causative factors such as irregular food habits, peer pressures and mental stress. Traditional Ayurveda literature reveals thatthe pre-monitory symptoms of Unmada [Insanity] and Vishad term used in ayurvedic classics can be co-related with symptoms of depression, denoting restricted activities of speech, body and mind. In management of these disorders Ayurveda explains various medicated ghee formulations which are fore most drug of choice due to its lipophilic nature. Vachadi ghrita (VG) is one of the medicated ghee formulations, contains eight herbal drugs along with Cow ghee. In this study assessment of therapeutic effect of VG was done in mild to moderate patients of depression using Hamilton scale test (HAM-D). Study group patients received VG plus standard antidepressant drugs while patients from control group received standard antidepressants. Significant change in HAM-D scores was noted after 60 days treatment of both groups when compared with their base line scores. However, no statistical significant difference was noted in HAM-D scores of studies, drug group when compared with HAM-D scores of standard drug group. As a result, it can be said that in this exploratory study VG didn't show positive effect as adjuvant drug in treatment of mild to moderate depression. Moreover, certain encouraging effects came across with administration of study drug which showed increase in patient's appetite and bowel evacuation easily as compared to standard drug. Thus, to find affirmative effect of VG further research work should be conducted in large sample size.