Abstract
An interventional randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Government
Ayurveda College Hospital for women and children, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala,
India to evaluate the efficacy of Vrisha ghrita on Tamaka swasa (with special reference to bronchial
asthma) with plain ghrita as control in children aged up to 12 years. Vrisha ghrita was given
internally in a divided dosage of 5-15ml twice daily along with honey according to the age for a
period of 3 months during attack free intervals. The idea behind the trial was to improve the
immunological compliance of the child and hence conquer recurrent asthma. A total number of 26
children attending OPD section of the hospital participated in the study. Analysis of the data was
done using clinical parameters, routine hematology with AEC, selected immunoglobulin assay,
lung function tests, measures of morbidity and asthma quality of life questionnaire. The assessment
reported that effects of Vrisha ghrita were significant in combating the clinical manifestations of
Tamaka swasa (p<0.01), reducing morbidity episodes, school absenteeism, number of unscheduled
visits to doctors (all p<0.01). All these point out that the trial drug is highly effective in controlling
recurrent episodes of asthma and respiratory tract infections. However, the results were statistically
not significant with respect to hematology, immunoglobulin assay and pulmonary function tests.
Risks of side effects were minimal in both the groups. The study was effective in curtailing the
conventionally used bronchodilators and antibiotic therapies in children.

Key words: Clinical trial, Bronchial asthma, Tamaka swasa, Vrisha ghrita, Ayurvedic medicine.