Efficacy Of Shriphalshalatu Yog In The Management Of Sangrahani (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

Abstract

Background: Sangrahani is considered an Annavaha Srotodushtijanya Vyadhi,(1) primarily caused by impaired Jatharagni & the formation of Ama.(2) In modern medicine, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is described as a physiological gastrointestinal disorder marked by recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort, accompanied by changes in bowel habits, in the absence of any identifiable structural abnormalities.(3) Grahani is classified under NAMC Code ICD-601 EB-7, while Sangrahani is ICD-608 EB-7.7.(4) According to WHO, the ICD code for IBS is K58. Shriphalshalatu Yog, described in Bhaishajyaratnavali, is advised for managing all types of Grahani.(5)

Aim- To study the efficacy of Shriphalshalatu Yog in the management of Sangrahani (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

Objectives-

1. To prepare Shriphalshalatu Yog.
2. To check adverse effects of Shriphalshalatu Yog if any.
3. To assess effect of Shriphalshalatu Yog in reduction of Drava, Snigdha, Pichila Mala Pravritti.

Methodology - A single-arm, open-label clinical trial was conducted on 35 patients diagnosed with Sangrahani, based on Ayurvedic criteria and modern tools including IBS-SSS, Bristol Stool Scale, and VAS. Patients received Shriphalshalatu Yog 6 g twice daily for 28 days, with follow-ups on the 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th days. Data was analyzed using Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test.

Results - The formulation showed marked efficacy, with 84.73% reduction in the primary symptom (Drava, Snigdha, Pichila Mala Pravritti) (p = 0.000, <0.05). Subjective parameters improved by 79.96% and objective parameters by 66.01%, both statistically significant. No adverse effects were observed.

Conclusion - Shriphalshalatu Yog demonstrated significant improvement in Sangrahani due to its Deepana, Pachana, Sangrahi, Tridoshahara & Amapachaka properties,(6,7) enhancing Agni & reducing Ama. It was safe, cost-effective and well tolerated. Larger studies are recommended to strengthen these findings.