Clinical Evaluation Of Immunomodulatory Effect Of Swarnaprashan In Children: A Prospective Interventional Open Label Study

Abstract

Background: Ayurveda has a major role to play in the domain of Children’s Morbidity through its unique concept of Swarnaprashan. It is the administration of processed golden as an electuary with Ghrita and honey which demonstrates specific immunomodulatory effect in children as depicted in Ayurveda Classics.

Aim: The present study was conducted as a preliminary study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Swarnaprashan in children with respect to anthropometrical, hematological, immunological parameters and ITQOL parameters.

Methodology: The study was a prospective, interventional, open labelled, single-centered, Phase II clinical trial on 30 children aged 2-5 years. Study intervention was Swarnaprashan formulation prepared using Swarnabhasma, Ghrita and Honey. Dose of Swarnaprashan was prescribed according to the age of children 1 drop/year/day (0.2-0.3mg Swarnabhasma per drop) for 8 weeks and follow-up was done after every 2 weeks and post treatment follow up was done after 4 weeks of completion of trial. Assessment of safety and efficacy was done based on manifestations of poor immune system status of a child along with hematological, anthropometrical, immunological parameters and ITQOL parameters.

Results: Extremely significant result was observed on the immunological parameters IgG, IgM, C3 and C4 complementary system, manifestations of poor immune status of child, and ITQOL parameters. A significant result was observed on Hematological parameters whereas Anthropometric parameters were found comparable to the standard.

Conclusion: The study showed that Swarnaprashan serves as a safe, effective, palatable, easily administrable, non-invasive, easily obtainable alternative remedy of choice to enhance immunity, bring down the morbidity and enhance physical and mental growth and development in children.