Ayurvedic Management of Grahani Roga with Gandhashma Parpati in Geriatric Patient

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are commonly observed in elderly individuals due to reduced digestive capacity, which is described as Mandagni (weak digestive fire) in Ayurveda. Grahani Roga is an Ayurvedic GI disorder caused by Mandagni and Ama (undigested food), presenting with irregular bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, and systemic debility. Ayurvedic formulations such as Parpati Kalpana are widely used in the management of gastric disorders. The present case study evaluates the effect of Gandhashma Parpati , prepared using sulfur purified in different media, in the management of Grahani Roga . A 70-year-old male patient visited Sanjeevani Hospital, DSRRAU Jodhpur, with complaints of frequent loose stools occurring 3–4 times daily, along with abdominal distension, eructation, abdominal pain, postprandial fullness, fatigue, and loss of appetite for the past three years. The patient was treated with Gandhashma Parpati in capsule form at a dose of 125 mg twice daily for 30 days, administered with Takra as Anupana . Dietary modifications, including Laghu Ahara and Pathya , are suitable for Parpati kalpana . Following treatment, the total symptom score reduced from 20 to 7, with marked improvement in altered bowel habits, abdominal distention, dyspepsia, postprandial fullness, fatigue, and appetite. The intervention was well tolerated, and no adverse effects were reported. The findings suggest that Gandhashma Parpati may be effective in the management of Grahani Roga in elderly patients by improving digestion and relieving GI discomfort.