CLINICAL EVALUATION OF AMRAGANDHA HARIDRA (CURCUMA AMADA ROXB) IN PRATISYAYA W.S.R TO ALLERGIC RHINITIS: A FOLKLORE CLAIM

The plant Amragandha haridra (Curcuma amada Roxb.) is not mentioned in our Samhitas, but it is mentioned in Saligrama Nighantu, Bhavaprakasa Nighantu and Kaiyadeva Nighantu. Folklore medicine is an integral part of Ayurveda. Ayurvedic Acharyas have mentioned many plants which are easily available and can be used as effective medicine. Amragandha haridra (Curcuma amada Roxb.) is traditionally used for Pratisyaya (Allergic Rhinitis) by folklore healers. Clinical trial was done on 40 patients, assigned in 2 groups of 20 each. The patients were treated with Amragandha haridra and placebo in Group A and Group B respectively. The duration of the treatment was 15 days. Patients were assessed on 5th, 10th and 15th day and a follow up was of 20 days. The effects of treatments were assessed statistically on the basis of gradation of cardinal signs and symptoms, before and after treatment. The results were analysed statistically. The analysis suggested that the Amragandha haridra (Curcuma amada Roxb.) is effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of Pratisyaya (Allergic Rhinitis).