A Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess the Efficacy of Ashtamangala Gritha in the Management of Mental Retardation

Abstract

Mental Retardation is a state of developmental deficit, beginning in childhood, resulting insignificant limitation of intellect or cognition and poor adaptation to the demands of everyday life. It is not always a disease but the consequence of some pathogenic process, resulting in a lifelong disability. Abundant research works are going on around the globe and a multidisciplinary approach incorporating different level of management strategies including the parent and the society is the primary option nowadays. Ayurvedic parlance is really a treasure of several therapeutic combinations advisable in conditions like Mental Retardation. Many drugs are being handled in clinical practise with positive claims. Behaviour modification therapy is a proven method capable of improving the overall performance of children with mental sub normalities, if performed with professional excellence. Ashtamangala gritha mentioned in baalaroga chikitsa in Bhaishajya ratnavali had been selected as study drug for this Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT). Behaviour modification therapy had been tried against its efficacy with the selected gritha as it is a proven therapy. The study was conducted with 40 subjects. The study group with Ashtamangala gritha along with Behaviour modification therapy was tried against the control with only Behaviour modification therapy. Assessment was done before treatment, after 30 days of treatment and after 30 days of follow up. The assessment was done using the Malin's IQ Scale and Madras Development Programming System (MDPS) scoring. It was observed that Ashtamangala gritha has significant effect in the improving the IQ of children with Mental Retardation.

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“…AMG is also found efficient in several spheres of MDPS as compared to behavioral management. [26] AMG in the nasya therapy is found effective in improving mental status parameters and IQ in children and thereby proving its nootropic effect. [27] Table 3: Pharmacological properties of Ashtamangal Ghrita on experimental and clinical research…”

“…[24] Mode of Administration AMG can be administered as oral and as nasya (nasal route). [25][26][27] Physicochemical Parameters [28] Physical analysis of AMG shows that it has a greenish-yellow color with an acrid taste, specific odor, smooth texture, and semisolid greasy appearance. The quantitative chemical test demonstrates that the refractive index and specific gravity of AMG are equal to 1.459 and 0.9013, respectively.…”

“…Effective in the management of mental retardation when compared with behavior modification therapy. Improves IQ level [26] 3. Nootropic effect -improves mental status parameter and IQ [27] 4.…”

Caregiver burden in children with intellectual disability: Does special school education help?

“…[ 1 ] Mental retardation is a condition of developmental deficit, starting in childhood, which leads to significant limitation of cognition or intellect and poor adaptive functioning in their daily life. [ 2 ] Overall 10%–20% of children and adolescents experience mental disorders. [ 3 ] Children with mental disorders face significant difficulties with stigma, isolation, and discrimination, in addition the absence of access to health awareness and education facilities, deprived of their basic human rights.…”