A clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of Ayurvedic intervention in management of chronic bronchitis

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Talisadi Churna (TC) is an Ayurveda formulation indicated in managing Kaphaja Kasa. The symptoms of Kaphaja Kasa, narrated in the Ayurveda classical texts, resembles with chronic bronchitis (CB). This open-label, single-arm, prospective study was planned to evaluate the efficacy of TC in the management of CB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria for CB were enrolled at Central Ayurveda Research Institute for Respiratory Disorders, Patiala. They were treated by oral administration of TC 3 gm thrice a day for 12 weeks with a post-treatment follow-up after four weeks. The results were assessed by change in Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) Score, episodes of acute exacerbation, change in St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) Score for Quality-of-life, Functional/Exercise capacity [change in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and FEV1%] and occurrence of adverse events. RESULTS: Sixty-eight participants completed the study. Significant results (P < 0.001) is found in wheezing, nausea, etc and in the cardinal symptoms such as breathlessness, cough, and expectoration. Statistically significant changes were found in LCQ, SGRQ, and PEFR parameters. No adverse events were reported during the study period. CONCLUSION: Talisadi Churna may be found effective in conditions such as Chronic Bronchitis. Based on the promising results of this study, randomized controlled trials with adequate sample size may be planned on Talisadi Churna in Chronic Bronchitis compared to standard care or as an add-on therapy with conventional medicine. Therefore TC can be further evaluated for incorporating it under the standard measure for management of CB.