Abstract

CLINICAL EVALUATION OF PARIJATA (NYCTANTHESE ARBORTRISTIS) IN THE MANAGEMENT OF GRIDHRASI (SCIATICA)

Dr. Swapnil S. Singhai*

ABSTRACT

Sciatica or sciatic syndrome is a neuralgic pain which begins from lumbar region and radiates downwards to buttock, posterior aspect of thigh, calf and to the outer boarder of foot. In about 90% of cases sciatica is caused by a herniated disc with nerve root compression. Conservative treatment for sciatica is primarily aimed at pain reduction, either by analgesics or by reducing pressure on the nerve root. In Ayurveda, the symptoms, etiopathogenesis resembles with Gridhrasi. Treatment includes administration of Snehana, Swedana, Basti, Sira vyadha, Agni karma and certain Shaman yogas. The fresh leaves of Parijata (Nyctanthese arbortristis) prepared in the form of decoctions or in combination with other herbs are found to be useful in treating inflammations, as the active principals contained within them are found to have anti-inflammatory, digestive and laxative properties. Total 20 patients diagnosed as Gridhrasi (Sciatica) of any socio-economic status, age group of 20-60 years and irrespective of sex were randomly divided in two groups. The drugs Parijata kwath and Parijata Guggulu were orally given for one month of duration. Parijata Kwath and Parijata Guggulu both are very effective, safe and good result yielding drugs for treatment of Gridhrasi (Sciatica) as they are – Vedanasthapana, Vatakaphahara, Nadibalya, Rasayana, easily available, cheaper and with no side and adverse effect. The outcome revealed a better therapeutic efficacy of Parijata Guggulu than Parijata kwath in Gridhrasi (Sciatica).

Keywords: Ayurveda, Gridhrasi, Parijata Guggulu, Parijata Kwath, Sciatica.