Jatamayadi Kashayadhara In Pre-Hypertension: Management And Quality Of Life Assessment

Abstract

This research investigates the efficacy of Jatamayadi Kashayadhara in managing pre-hypertension and its subsequent impact on the quality of life. Given the rising global prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, and the significant proportion of undiagnosed cases, this study aims to explore an alternative Ayurvedic intervention to mitigate disease progression and improve patient outcomes.

Methodology: This pilot study utilized a randomized controlled trial design, employing a purposive sampling method to select participants diagnosed with pre-hypertension based on established clinical guidelines. A total of 50 participants were enrolled, equally divided into an experimental group receiving Jatamayadi Kashaya shirodhara and a control group receiving a jala Dhara (shirodhara with Jala), ensuring adequate statistical power for comparative analysis.

Findings: The experimental group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to the control group, suggesting the therapeutic potential of Jatamayadi Kashayashirodhara in managing pre-hypertension. Furthermore, participants in the experimental group reported a marked improvement in their overall quality of life, as measured by the WHO’s QOL Scale, indicating a broader beneficial impact beyond mere blood pressure regulation.

Originality/Value: This study provides novel insights into the potential of Ayurvedic treatments for early-stage hypertension, offering a holistic approach to patient care that extends beyond conventional pharmacological interventions.  Hypertension, a significant public health concern, continues to be a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a substantial portion of the global hypertensive population residing in low- and middle-income nations.

Limitation: Despite its critical impact, the pathogenesis of hypertension is not yet fully understood in Ayurvedic philosophy, highlighting the need for continued research into its diagnosis and treatment through traditional perspectives.

Implication: This study's findings have profound implications for public health strategies, particularly in regions where conventional medical resources may be limited or where there is a cultural inclination towards traditional medicine. This underscores the importance of integrating traditional systems like Ayurveda into modern healthcare frameworks to provide comprehensive and culturally sensitive approaches to chronic disease management.