Article: ROLE OF AYURVEDIC HERBAL FORMULATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PRIMARY INSOMNIA: A CASE REPORT

Article Category: Case Reports

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.100119

Pages: 80-82

Author: Prathibha C K *, Kailas Mohapatra, Gopal C Nanda, Anandaraman P V

Abstract: Insomnia affects an individual’s physical, psychological and social life. Insomnia affects about 40% of the total population especially elderly. Ayurveda considers it as Nidranasha and the cause is imbalanced Vata and Pitta Dosha. Large number of sedatives and other treatments are in practice for managing the condition in modern system of medicine, but they have limitations. A simple Ayurveda formulation of Jathiphala (Myristica fragrans) could manage a case of Primary Insomnia (nidranasha) within a period of 14 days. There was a reduction of Regensburg insomnia scalescore from 21 to 9 within a month along with the improvement in the quality of life, even after withdrawing the drug. A drastic change was observed in sleep initiation and duration.  The action of Jathiphala may be because of its Madakari effect.  This Ayurveda formulation is economic, not habit forming and effective at short period of drug administration. So large scale clinical trials are required to establish its sedative action. 

Keyword: Insomnia, Jathiphala, Regensburg insomnia scale, Ayurveda, Nidranasha, Myristica fragrans.