DOI: 10.4103/jras.jras_2_25 ISSN: 2456-5601

Comparative efficacy of Kushmandaka Ghrita and Brahmi Ghrita in the management of mild neurocognitive disorder: A randomized controlled pilot study

Tasni Das, Suhas Kumar Shetty, Aswini Ramachandran, Swarda Uppin, Pankaj Sharma
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Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Mild neurocognitive disorder (MNCD) is characterized by a decline in cognitive functions, such as memory and judgment, leading to difficulties with daily tasks and reduced quality of life, particularly among the aging population. Ayurveda, with its holistic approach and array of neuroprotective therapies, has the potential to enhance cognitive function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This randomized controlled pilot clinical trial included 30 patients aged 50 years and above, diagnosed with MNCD based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5) criteria, who were recruited from the Outpatient Department of KLE Ayurveda Hospital, Belgaum, Karnataka. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups ( n = 15 each). Group KG received Kushmandaka Ghrita , while Group BG received Brahmi Ghrita . In the study, 30 participants were enrolled, and both interventions were administered at a dose of 6 mL twice daily orally before meals for 60 days. The primary outcome measures were cognitive function, assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Data were collected at baseline and after the 60-day intervention to assess the efficacy of the intervention in improving cognitive function, quality of life, mood, and sleep in patients with MNCD and to evaluate its effect in preventing further decline and promoting overall mental well-being.

RESULTS:

Improvement in the MoCA score in Group KG from 18.27 (2.46) to 23.00 (2.20) was significantly more than that in Group BG from 18.47 (2.23) to 24.80 (2.60), P = 0.05. Similar results were observed for the MMSE score and quality of life, assessed using the Dementia-related Quality of Life (DEMQOL) score, with Group KG having better scores than Group BG ( P < 0.05). Every participant in the study adhered to the interventions in both groups throughout the experiment. No adverse events were observed or reported throughout the study period.

CONCLUSION:

Kushmandaka Ghrita showed significant improvements in cognitive parameters on the MoCA and MMSE compared to Brahmi Ghrita. Group KG showed beneficial effects on the quality-of-life (DEMQOL) parameter compared with Group BG. Both groups were comparable in Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia, Disability Assessment for Dementia, and Regenburg’s Insomnia Scale.

TRIAL REGISTRATION:

The trial was registered with the Clinical Trials Registry of India on November 23, 2022, with registration number CTRI/2022/11/047583.

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