Generalized Anxiety Disorder is prevalent among the general population as one of the most common and disabling anxiety disorders.
Its common symptoms may include restlessness, lack of ability to concentrate, irritation, insomnia, and tension in muscles. Generalized Anxiety Disorder manifests itself in the form of excess, constant worry about day-to-day activities and minor events.
There was a 3–3.5% prevalence of anxiety disorders in adulthood according to an Indian study while the contribution of Disability-adjusted life years due to anxiety disorders among mental disorders accounted for 19% of the Indian population in 2017.
In a recent study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, the healing potential of Ayurvedic medicine Brahmi Vati in the management of Generalized Anxiety Disorder is investigated.Also, it is compared to Manasmitra vataka.
A randomized double-blind controlled trial, with a total of 56 Generalized Anxiety Disorder patients who were 20–60 years of age and of both genders participated in the study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups, the Brahmi group received capsule Brahmi Vati 500 mg and the Manasmitra group received capsule Manasmitra vataka 500 mg thrice a day with water for 45 days.
The various clinical parameters used for assessment were BDI, ESS, PSQI, WHOQOL-BREF, and CGI scales. Blood variables including Haemoglobin, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, Liver Function Test, and serum creatinine were assessed before and after the study. Assessments during the intervention were conducted every 15th day.
Study results indicated that both Brahmi Vati and Manasmitra vataka were comparable to each other and each produced major improvement on the scales of measurement used earlier.
This led to the conclusion that Brahmi Vati and Manasmitra vataka were effective, safe, and comparable in the management of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and further studies are warranted.
Reference:
Khot S.G., Tubaki B. R., Gonugade Varsha B. Efficacy of Brahmi vati in generalised anxiety disorder – Randomized double blind comparative clinical trial, Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 2022-04-01, 13(2), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2022.100552