In recent decades, few uncertainties have been expressed about the quality of research in Ayurveda, based on aspects such as the rationale for undertaking the study, accurate research gap analysis, study methodology, data collection, data analysis, and relevant interpretation of the findings. It might be argued that the principles and practice of different systems of medicine vary too much to allow universal application of existing methodological or reporting guidelines that predominantly cater to contemporary medicine. In the present-day research, many researchers find it difficult to provide an accurate and reliable assessment of the outcomes that can form a scientific evidence base for Ayurveda. ICH E9 (R1) addendum to the guidelines on statistical principles for clinical trials and methods in 2020 has revamped the approaches to designing clinical trials and the effective use of statistical tools to convey the study outcomes. This article attempts to present the statistical implications and various methodological aspects that are often missed, misinterpreted, or left unaddressed by researchers in Ayurveda clinical research. Insight on the vital components of good clinical research such as designing aspects, sampling, randomization, and data analysis is provided in brief.

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INTRODUCTION: Fallopian tube blockage is among the most notorious factors for female infertility, which is responsible for 25%–30% of total female infertility. Tubal blockages can be correlated to Sanga Srotodushti of Artavavaha Srotasa in Ayurveda, involving Vata and Kapha Doshas. Normalizing the vitiated Vata–Kapha Dosha leads to restoration of tubal function and easy conception. The case report presented here highlights the role of Ayurvedic medicines and therapies in successfully managing tubal blockage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present case report, a 27-year-old married female diagnosed with infertility due to bilateral fallopian tube blockage presented with chief complaints of inability to conceive for 3 years and was treated with Ayurveda medications and therapeutic procedures. Oral medicines such as decoctions, herbal powder, medicated ghee, and tablets were administered along with therapeutic procedures, which included Virechana (therapeutic purgation), Basti (therapeutic enema), and Uttarbasti (intrauterine medication). Pre- and post-assessments were done by hysterosalpingography (HSG). RESULT AND CONCLUSION: At the end of the treatment, there was a normal spillage of dye in both tubes noted in HSG. In this study, a comprehensive therapeutic intervention using Ayurveda medications and therapeutic procedures such as Virechana, Basti, and Uttarbasti was found to effectively clear the blockage of tubes.

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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.

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BACKGROUND: C1 herbal oil is developed by Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India and is based on Local Health traditions (LHTs) for wound healing. This study is planned to assess the efficacy of C1 herbal oil on Superficial External Wounds and Split Thickness Skin Graft (STSG) donor sites for wound healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is a prospective, open-label, randomized, controlled, two-phased clinical trial for a duration of 28 days. Outpatients of age group 18–60 years, of either sex requiring STSG coverage of at least two strips will be recruited in Phase 1 of the study. The donor site will receive the topical application of C1 herbal oil prior to the standard dressing, whereas the normal saline will be applied on the control site. The dressings will not be changed, except when it is fully soaked with exudates or will easily fall off or show any signs of infection. Subjects with superficial external wounds will be recruited in Phase 2 of the study. The test site will receive C1 herbal oil-impregnated dressings, whereas the other group will receive saline gauze dressing, to be changed every 24 h or earlier in case of soakage or accidental removal. The duration of wound healing was the primary outcome measure. The pain during dressing change will be evaluated with a visual analog scale and wound assessment by Bates Jensen Wound Assessment Tool. DISCUSSION: Ayurveda herbal wound dressing may significantly reduce the time for epithelialization of wounds. It may be beneficial in decreasing healthcare costs besides including Ayurveda medicines in mainstream clinical medicine for wound care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trials registry- India: CTRI/2017/10/010150

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Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a serious but treatable autoimmune condition characterized by muscle fatigue and weakness. Ocular MG is characterized by muscle weakness isolated to the eyelids and extraocular muscles. Unilateral ocular MG refers to a condition in which only one eye shows the cardinal features of ptosis and the restriction of extraocular movement. The management of ocular MG is mainly symptomatic and is aimed at curing muscle weakness. The closest approximation of ocular MG in Ayurveda is Vatahata Vartma, an incurable eyelid disease. A case of a 40-year-old man who was diagnosed with unilateral ocular MG and treated with Ayurveda interventions is presented here. In this case, the evaluation of the severity of ptosis revealed a 4 mm of ptosis in the right eye and 2 mm in the left eye; margin reflex distance of 1 mm in the right eye and 4 mm in the left eye; and a levator palpebrae superioris function of 2 mm in the right eye and 12 mm in the left eye. The absence of adduction, intorsion, and extorsion was noted in the right eye, whereas movements were normal in the left eye. Cogan’s sign and eyelid fatigue were present in the right eye and absent in the left eye. The patient underwent two courses of Ayurveda inpatient treatments with regular follow-ups in between. The treatment course included oral interventions (herbal decoctions, oils, and tablets), bio-purification therapies (nasal medication, the retention of medicine in the mouth), sudation (Nadi Sveda, Pinda Sveda), and external therapies for the eyes and head (ocular irrigation, massage, eye drops, irrigation over the head, the application of medicated paste over the head), along with lifestyle modifications. The Ayurveda treatment protocol was found effective in reducing the ptosis and improving the ocular movements. The relapse of the ptosis was observed after the discontinuation of the treatment. A long-term regular treatment strategy with regular inpatient therapies can improve the disease outcomes, despite not being able to produce a complete relief owing to the autoimmune nature of the disease.

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