ROLE OF TRIPHALA EYE DROPS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ABHISYANDA (ACUTE CONJUNCTIVITIS)
Abstract
Eye is an important sense organ. The Abhisyanda if not treated properly may lead to several other eye diseases. To avoid such complications Vagabhatta has stressed on the importance of immediate need of treatment in this disease.
Conjunctivitis is the most common disease worldwide. It is usually of two types infective and allergic. The present study is a trial to explore a unique herbal drug which has efficacy to help the patients of acute conjunctivitis without unwanted side effects.
Sushruta has described that Triphala pacifies mainly kapha and pitta doshas which are the main causative factor of the disease i.e. acute conjunctivitis. He has also emphasized analgesic and wound healing properties. Haritaki is one of the active ingredients of Triphala which is most effective in viral conjunctivitis because its fruits have antiviral properties
According to Vagabhatta Haritaki pacifies mainly Kaphaj and Vataj diseases. On the other hand Amalki has astringent property exudation from incision on the fruits used as an external application in ocular diseases. On the basis of above description we may conclude that the Triphala eye drops is most effective drug for the treatment of acute conjunctivitis.
The 50 patients were randomly selected from the out patients department of Shalakya and Ophthalmology S S hospital IMS BHU Grouping of patients: - 50 patients were distributed equally into two groups viz. Group I-ayurvedic drug treated group and Group II –Placebo group.
Group I: 25 patients of Abhisyanda were kept in this group. They received triphala eye drop two drops 6 times a day for 15 days. This group was considered as Ayurvedic Drug treated group. All the patients were given strict instructions regarding their ocular hygiene.
Group II: 25 patients of Abhisyanda were kept in this group. They received placebo eye drops (tearplus solution) two drops 6 times in a day for 15 days. This group was considered as Placebo group.
All the cases were examined initially in outdoor patients department and were selected for the study on the basis of clinical presentation and diagnostic criteria.
Symptoms:-Foreign body sensation (FBS),Burning sensation (BS), Lacrimation (L), Eyeache(E) ,Headache(H),Photophobia(Pho),Itching (It),Lidoedema(Lo),
Signs:-Discharge (Di), Chemosis(c), Hyperaemia (H), Papillary Hyperplasia (Ph), Follicles
On the observation of the symptoms foreign body sensation it was revealed that in foreign body sensation decreased in both T and P group but it was highly significant in treated group. The mean of foreign body sensation at entry level was 1.12±0.78 and it becomes 0.76±1.01after 15 days treatment.
The mean grade of burning sensation before treatment was 0.32±0.47 whereas after treatment mean grade was 0.08±0.27 the reduction being 0.24±0.43 which is significant statistically.
Similarly reductions of mean grade of other symptoms and signs are as follows
Serial No
Symptoms & Signs
Before treatment mean grade
After treatment mean grade
Reduction in mean grade
1
Foreign Body sensation
1.12±0.78
0.76±1.01
Less significant
2
Burning sensation
0.32±0.47
0.08±0.27
0.24±0.43
3
Lacrimation
1.24±0.83
0.92±0.8
0.32±0.47
4
Eyache
0.92±0.90
0.52±0.71
0.28±0.45
5
Headache
0.32±0.55
0.2±0.5
Not significant
6
Photophobia
0.32±0.47
0.12±0.33
0.2±0.4
7
Itching
0.56±0.71
0.28±0.61
0.28±0.45
8
Lidoedema
0.48±0.71
0.24±0.52
0.28±0.54
9
Discharge
1.96±0.73
1.28±1.1
0.84±0.8
10
Chemosis
1.0±0.76
0.68±0.9
0.32±0.69
11
Hyperaemia
2.28±0.54
1.2±1.19
1.08±1.1
12
Papillary Hyperplasia
1.8±0.57
1.08±0.99
Not significant
13
Follicles
0.08±0.27
0.08±0.27
Not significant
Clinical study highlights the role of Triphala eye drops in the management of acute conjunctivitis. It was found that:
- a. The drug gives relieve the various symptoms of acute conjunctivitis i.e. foreign body sensation, burning sensation, lacrimation , Eyeache, Itching and lidoedema.
- b. The drug diminished the various signs of acute conjunctivitis i. e. conjunctival discharge, Chemosis of Conjunctiva, Hyperemia, Papillary hyperplasia.
- c. Drug has poor response on Conjunctival follicle and is effective against Staphylococcus aureous, E. Coli, and Streptococcus etc.
- d. Drug is effective in viral conjunctivitis.
During the course of therapy and after withdrawal of drug, no adverse effects were noted.
References
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Bhavaprakash: Vidyotini Hindi commentary by Shri Brahma Shankar, Chaukhambha Sanskrita series office, Varanasi Ist part (1969) (V Edition)
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Sushruta Samhita: Translated by Atridev Gupta, Basic commentary B G Ghanekar, V Edition, Motilal Banarsidas, Bengalow road, New Delhi (1989).
