:- Study of Medhya (cognition enhancing) effect of Dadima phala (Punica granatum Linn) in healthy adolescents

           Title:- Study of Medhya (cognition enhancing) effect of Dadima phala (Punica granatum Linn) in healthy adolescents.

          Dr. B. A. Mokashi had submitted her dissertation in 2008 Year, for the P.G. degree M.D. Dravyaguna (Ayurvedic Pharmacology). Her guide was Dr. Tanuja Nesari & research center was Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Pune (M.S.) India. This research was submitted in English language for Maharashatra University of Health Sciences.

          Dr. Mokashi had done o Prospective, Single blind, controlled, randomized, parallel design clinical study on 60 healthy individuals of adolescent age group.

          The students were divided into two groups –

1)   Group A – Study group of Dadimavaleha

2)   Group B – Vehicle control group of sugar syrup.

The drugs was given to the students in dose of 10 ml twice a day orally in Rasayana kala i.e. morning ( approx 7-8 Am) & Nishakala ( approx 9-10 pm) for the duration of 6 months.

The research work was concluded as follows –

Pomegranate juice 10 ml BD for 6 months ,showed significant effect on IQ

1)         There is significant improvement in I.Q. in group A as compared to group B.

2)          Out of 12 sub tests of I.Q. the information & vocabulary tests showed significant improvement. It may be because of improved functions of udana vayu.

3)         Improvements in I.Q. suggests that Dadima by its sweet taste

(Madhura rasa), nourishes & enhances brain (Dhi, Dhruti & smruti) & ultimately grasping power (Medha). It has pitta prasadana action on sadhaka pitta (normalizes sadhaka type of pitta.) By sour taste (Alma rasa), it enhances sadhaka type of pitta, which contributes to its medhya action.

4)         Psychomotor  performance was assessed by two sub tests-

a)    digit letter substitution test (DLST )

b)    Six letter cancellation test (SLCT)

Significant difference is observed in psychomotor performance score after six months of test drug Group A.

     In short dadima was effective in improving psychomotor performance. This is a coordinated action of mind (mana) Brain (Buddhi) & five senses (Karmendriya.) Thus it can be stated that dadima is effective in improving above said factors.