Clinical Evaluation of Paneeya Kshara (Oral Administration of Alkaline Medicine) in the Management of Pittashaya Ashmari (Cholelithiasis)

Background: Cholelithiasis is one of the most expensive medical condition. It is either symptomatic or asymptomatic, if not treated properly it may lead to carcinoma of gall bladder which is 5th commonest GI malignancy world-wide. In Ayurveda, Pittashaya Ashmari (Gall bladder Calculi) may be considered as Cholelithiasis. However, there is no classical reference of this condition in any of the treatises of Ayurveda. Acharya Sushruta, has explained that the corrosive nature of Kshara (alkaline materials) have a significant role in managing Ashmari. Aim:The present study is aimed at evaluating the clinical efficacy of Paneeyakshara i.e. silk hair of corn (Makkaya - Maize) in the management of Pittashaya Ashmari. Materials & Methods: Single group clinical study with 30 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected from Shalya Tantra OPD, Parul Ayurved Hospital, Vadodara. Makkaya Paneeyakshara was administered in a dose of 250 mg twice a day on empty stomach with honey for 60 days. Results: Makkaya Paneeyakshara showed statistically significant relief in the subjective and objective parameters. Conclusion:Overall effect of therapy suggests that Makkaya Paneeyakshara provided significant improvement by dissolving the gallbladder stones which was less than 10mm within a period of 8 weeks.