CLINICAL TRIAL TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF HARIDRADI ASHCYOTANA (SRI LANKAN TRADITIONAL HERBAL EYE DROP) IN THE MANAGEMENT ABHISHYANDA W.S.R. BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS

Abstract

Abhishyanda is considered as a Sankramika vyadhi (contagious disease) with general features as Netra srava (lacrimation), Samrambha (swelling), Raktata (redness) and Kandu (itching). Bacterial conjunctivitis accounts for over 60% of all conjunctivitis cases with general features as redness, grittiness, burning and eye discharges. Present clinical study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Haridradi Ashcyotana (HA): a Sri Lankan Traditional herbal eye drops in the management of Abhishyanda w.s.r. to Bacterial conjunctivitis. HA was prepared as per the standards mentioned in Ayurveda Pharmacopeia, Sri Lanka. Authentication and deposition of voucher samples of plant specimens were con­ducted while standardized HA for the safety and acceptability. Clinical trial was conducted after Institutional Ethics committee approval, in the Shalakya clinic, OPD of Ayurveda Teaching Hospital, Borella, Sri Lanka. Consecutive convenience sampling method was ap­plied to register 20 patients of either gender, age between 10 – 70 years with clinical features of Abhishyanda w.s.r. to Bacterial conjunctivitis. Data analysis was done by SPSS 16.0. Enrolled patients were subjected to conjunctival smear swab culture which proved the anti­bacterial property of HA against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. HA revealed highly significant ‘p’ values (p < 0.001) with 100% remission of all inflammatory features of the eye/s while total mean days for complete remission was 4.45. Drug related adverse effects were not observed and tolerability was good. Thus, can be concluded as Haridradi Ashcyotana is a safe, tolerable, quick action and effective herbal ophthalmic preparation for the management of Abhishyanda w.s.r. to Bacterial conjunctivitis.