ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Gridhrasi is a disease having cardinal symptom of pain, difficulty in walking which can be correlated to Sciatica . Use of mahanimba in gridhrasi is specifically indicated in texts like sharangdhar, bhavprakash, shodhal, nighanturatnakar, vangasen. Mahanimba is said to be vedana–hara, raktaruja–hara, vedanasthapaka. Mahanimba is a tikta, Kashayadravya having sheetaviryastill its use is mentioned in a nanatmajvyadhi of vata like Gridhrasi, this arouse interest to take up this study and revalidate the facts stated by our acharyas.Methods Authentication of Mahanimba, preparation, standardization of churna was done initially. 90 patients of Ghridrasi were enrolled in the study fulfilling the inclusion criteria, using simple randomization they were divided into 3 equal groups. GroupA: Mahanimbachurna 3 grams BD orally with lukewarm water. GroupB: Tab.Diclofenac S.O.S Group C: Combination of both. For 60 days, Symptoms analysed were Ruka, Toda, Stambha, Spandana,Aruchi, Tandra, Gaurav, SLRT. Statistical analysis was done using Kruskal wallistest.Results:Within the same group analysis, Mahanimba was statistically ( p value < 0.001)as well as clinically effective. In Pain management Combination of Mahanimba and diclofenac was more effective( p value< 0.006) than other groups whereas associated symptoms of kaphajGhridrasi like Tandra, Gaurav, Aruchi were managed better in Mahanimba groups. Frequency of taking Diclofenac was less in Group C than in Group B.Conclusion: Diclofenac has definite role in Pain management, it gives faster symptomatic relief, but it cannot be continued for a long span due to its systemic side effects. Mahanimba is helpful in altering the pathophysiology of Gridhrasi, also it can decrease the episodes of pain and acts on other symptoms as well, Dose of Diclofenac can also be reduced by its combination with Mahanimba.

KEYWORDS: Gridrasi , Sciatica, Mahanimba , Melia azedarach