Comparative Clinical Study of Role of Saraswatchurna in Apasmar

Abstract

Ayurveda explains disproportion in the three doshasvata, pitta and kapha singly or all of them together can
cause Apasmar. Aggravated doshas get accumulated in hridaya and create the features based upon Doshic
predominance, which cause illusion of the mind and visual hallucination and seizures (tonic spasms and
clonic jerks). Often it is presented with outwarding of tongue, deviation of the eyes, dribbling of saliva with
froth, tonic and clonic movements of limbs. Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent, episodic, paroxysmal,
involuntary clinical events related with alternation of cerebral function. An epileptic attack is anrapid and
unwarranted electric discharge of cerebral neurons. Saraswat Churna is a popular Compound drug which
is successfully used in Psychological disorders. It is mentioned in “Unmada Prakaran” of well known
Ayurvedic book of “ Bhaishgya Ratnawali” that Saraswat Churna consists of different types of Medhya
Rasayana herbs like Vacha, Shankhapushpi etc. and Brahmi Swarasbhawna is given to it for three times.
Phenytoin (Diphenyl Hydantoin or Dilantin) is highly effective and widely prescribed anticonvulsant drug
used in the treatment of grand mal and psychomotor epilepsy. Phenytoin has been used to treat thought, mood
and behaviour disorders, cardiovascular disorders, neuro muscular disorders, gastrointestinal disorders,
Endocrine disorders. As Dilantin showed adverse reactions like urticarial like skin rashes, gastric irritation,
resulting in nausea, vomiting, hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the gums noted in 90% of patients was not
noted in patients treated with Saraswat Churna.