Comparative evaluation of Medhya effects of Ashwagandha & Shatavari in the management of generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Title: - Comparative evaluation of Medhya effects of Ashwagandha & Shatavari in the management of generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) 

Dr. P. P. Sethi had submitted her dissertation in 2007Year, for the P.G. degree M.D. Dravyaguna (Ayurvedic Pharmacology). Her guide was Dr. T. M. Nesari & research center was Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Pune (M.S.) India, & submitted to MUHS. 

Dr. Sethi had done a clinical study of Ashwagandha and Shatavari tablets in 40 patients of GAD, to assess their cognition enhancing (Medhya) effect. 

Total 40 patients were divided into 4 groups 10 patients in Group A received Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) tablets. 10 Patients in Group A received Shatavari (Aspaeagus racemosus) tablets. 10 patients in Group C received Ashwagandha + Shatavari combined tablets. 10 patients of Group D was placebo group received starch tablet in divided dose of 3 Gms per day with water for 2 months.  

The criteria of assessment was as follows – 

1)    Gradation of signs & symptoms of GAD as per Hamilton Rating Scale of Anxiety (HAM-A) & DSM-IV diagnostic criteria.

2)    Gradation of signs & symptoms of chinta & chittodwega.

3)    NIMHANS proforma (Bangalore) was used for assessment of mental health based upon Ayurvedic parameters. 

The research work was concluded as follows- 

1)    Tab Ashwagandha & Shatavari ( Mixed )  2 tab TDS ( Each tab of 500 mg)  -- Both the drugs proved to be effective in reducing the symptoms of GAD ( Generalized Anxiety Disease )  

2)    Ashwagandha was the drug of choice in symptoms like anxious mood, Fears, Insomnia, respiratory symptoms, Genitto-urinary symptoms, Autonomic symptoms.

3)    Shatavari was the drug of choice in symptoms of GAD like tension, Somatic (muscular), Somatic (sensory) GI symptoms Autonomic symptoms & behavior at interview.

4)    Combined group of Ashwagandha & Shatavari was the drug of choice in symptoms like anxious mood, fear, insomnia, behavior at interview, but more effective in intellectual, depressed mood & symptoms of CVS.

5)    The drug was also effective in improving cognition enhancing effect

     (Dhi & Dhruti & Smruti)