Abstract

A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL TO ASSESS THE EFFECT OF ASHTAMANGALA GHRITA IN DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING DISORDER IN CHILDREN

*Dr. Megha G. (B.A.M.S, M.D), Dr. Sudheer B. R. (B.A.M.S, M.D), Dr. Divyasri R. A. (B.A.M.S, M.D)

Abstract

Introduction: Learning disorder is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders and Developmental Learning Disorder (DLD) refers to ongoing problems in one of the three areas, reading, writing and mathematics. Learning disability can be understood as a defective processing of knowledge, i.e. Tamoavarana in Manobuddhivahasiras, leading to impairment in the process of jnyanotpatti(at the level of Manas and Buddhi) and improper execution of Karma by Vak and Hastendriya, i.e. impaired Vaktrubuddhi (impairment in reading) and Kartrubuddhi (impairment in writing & doing calculations) are together considered as DLD in Ayurveda.In such a condition Medhya drugs mentioned in our classics can be used. Ashtamangalaghrita is one such preparation which is known to render Dridhasmriti, Kshipramedha (instant intelligence) and makes the child Buddhiman(intelligent). Objectives: Objective of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of Ashtamangalaghrita in children with Developmental learning disorder. Material and methods: A total of 60 subjects of DLD of both genders were registered. These patients were divided into 2 groups by random sampling method in Group A and Group B. In Group A subjects were given with Ashtamangala ghrita and group B were given with Saraswata Churna. To assess its effectiveness, assessment was done before treatment (0th day), after treatment (60th day) and after follow up (90th day) using NIMHANS index for DLD. Results: Statistical analysis was done after the intervention. The assessment was done based on the NIMHANS index for DLD. Group A showed more statistical significant compared to Group B. Conclusion: Ashtamangala ghrita is effective in DLD.

Keywords: Ashtamangala ghrita; Buddhi; Developmental Learning Disorder(DLD), Manobuddhivaha siras.