A clinical trial of Sri Lankan traditional decoction of Pitawakka Navaya in treatment of Kaphaja Shirsha Shoola (chronic sinusitis)

摘要

Authentic Ayurvedic texts mention eleven types of Shiro Roga (diseases in head). Kaphaja Shirsha Shoola, which occurs due to vitiation of Kapha and Vata Dosha, is one of them. Chronic sinusitis is a chronic inflammation of sinuses. It can be correlated with Kaphaja Shirsha Shoola. Decoction of Pitawakka Navaya consists of nine ingredients. They are Bhoomyamalaka, Haritaki, Bharangi, Chavya, Pippali, Salarka, Guduchi, Shunti and Maricha. These herbs, which pacify vitiated Vata Dosha and Kapha Dosha, are used by traditional physicians in Sri Lanka to treat Kaphaja Shirsha Shoola (chronic sinusitis). However, no scientific studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Pitawakka Navaya in treatment of Kaphaja Shirsha Shoola. Hence, this clinical study has been conducted to evaluate its efficacy.. Sixty patients suffering from Kaphaja Shirsha Shoola were selected and examined. These patients were randomly divided into two groups of thirty patients each. First group was treated with 120 ml of decoction of Pitawakka Navaya twice a day for fourteen days. The second group was treated with 120 ml of placebo twice a day for fourteen days. After treatment, most of the patients’ symptoms were completely or partially relieved. In less than 10% of patients, some symptoms were unchanged or aggravated. It is observed that traditional decoction Pitawakka Navaya is beneficial for Kaphaja Shirsha Shoola (chronic sinusitis).