Helminthiasis in children and its treatment with indigenous drugs
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Helminthiasis in children and its treatment with indigenous drugs
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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R.D. Sharma, C. Chaturvedi, P.V. Tewari
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Helminthiasis in children and its treatment with indigenous drugs
Year: 1985
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Helminthiasis in children presents a significant health challenge, particularly in developing countries like India, where environmental conditions and inadequate hygiene contribute to high rates of infection. The study discussed in this article focuses on the prevalence of helminth infections among rural schoolchildren and highlights the efficacy of indigenous Ayurvedic anthelmintic drugs in treating these infections. With a sample of 310 children, the research illustrates the association of helminthiasis with various health issues, such as anemia and malnutrition, and emphasizes the need for effective interventions in vulnerable populations.
Efficacy of Indigenous Treatments
One of the crucial findings of the study is the effectiveness of specific Ayurvedic medications in curing helminthiasis. The drugs administered included Vaca (Acorus Calamus) for roundworm, Syrup Vidanga (Embelia ribes) for threadworm, Bhallataka oil for hookworm, and Kampilla (Mellotus Phillipinenses) for Hymenolepis nana. Results revealed a high cure rate for hymenolepiasis, with 100% effectiveness, and significant success rates for other types of helminth infections as well. Notably, treatment costs were low, making these indigenous drugs a safe and economical option for managing helminthiasis in children. The study results indicate that Ayurveda holds promise for addressing this public health issue in underserved communities.
Conclusion
In summary, the research underscores the prevalence and impact of helminthiasis among children in rural India, paired with the successful application of indigenous drugs as a treatment measure. Findings demonstrate that therapeutic interventions using Ayurvedic remedies are not only effective but also safe for children, with no observed side effects. Given the significant number of cases treated and the low cost of these therapies, the study advocates for the integration of traditional medicine into public health strategies to combat child morbidity linked to parasitic infections.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is helminthiasis and how does it affect children?
Helminthiasis is an infestation of worms, significantly impacting children's health in developing countries. It can lead to nutritional disorders, anemia, and associated diseases like epilepsy and anorexia, especially in slums and rural areas due to poor hygiene practices.
What indigenous drugs were used in the study for treatment?
The study used several indigenous drugs: Vaca (Acorus Calamus) powder for roundworms, Syrup Vidanga (Embelia ribes) for threadworms, Bhallataka oil for hookworms, and Kampilla (Mellotus Phillipinenses) powder for Hymenolepis nana, all administered in specific dosage schedules.
What were the results of the drug administration for helminthiasis?
The results showed high efficacy: 83% of roundworm cases, 78.9% of threadworm cases, and 100% of Hymenolepis nana cases were cured. Bhallatak oil was also effective for hookworm infestations, with 94.28% cure rate observed.
Are the indigenous drugs safe and economical for children?
Yes, the drugs used in the study were found to be safe with no observed side effects. Additionally, they are economical, making them accessible for treating helminthiasis in deprived areas.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Helminthiasis in children and its treatment with indigenous drugs�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Worm:
A worm in this context refers to parasitic helminths that infect humans, particularly children. Helminthiasis is the condition caused by these worms, leading to significant health issues such as anemia, malnutrition, and various gastrointestinal disorders. The study highlights the prevalence of worm infections in children and the need for effective treatments.
2) Drug:
In the context of the study, a drug is any medicinal substance used to treat helminthiasis. The authors tested indigenous Ayurvedic remedies to assess their efficacy against different types of worms. The study provides a framework for evaluating traditional medicine and its potential role in modern healthcare.
3) Vidanga (Viá¸aá¹…ga, Vidamga):
Vidanga, known scientifically as Embelia ribes, is an Ayurvedic herb used as a treatment for threadworm infestations. The study details its dosage and effectiveness in combating this specific helminth. This underscores the significance of botanical remedies in traditional medicine, particularly in addressing childhood health issues like helminthiasis.
4) Vaca (VÄcÄ, VacÄ, VÄca):
Vaca, or Acorus calamus, is another Ayurvedic treatment referenced in the study, specifically targeting roundworm infestations. Its application and dosage are clearly defined, emphasizing its importance among indigenous treatments. The inclusion of Vaca reflects the role of natural remedies in providing cost-effective healthcare solutions for endemic health issues like helminthiasis.
5) Science (Scientific):
Science in this paper refers to the systematic investigation and exploration of Ayurvedic medicine's efficacy through empirical methods. The study exemplifies interdisciplinary approaches, combining traditional knowledge with scientific research methodologies to evaluate the effectiveness of indigenous treatments for helminthiasis in children.
6) Acorus calamus:
Acorus calamus, commonly known as Vaca, is a plant involved in the study as a treatment for roundworm infections. Its traditional usage in Ayurvedic herbal medicine highlights the integration of ethnobotanical knowledge in addressing health challenges in vulnerable populations, particularly children suffering from helminthiasis.
7) Embelia ribes:
Embelia ribes, or Vidanga, is significant as an Ayurvedic remedy against threadworm infestations discussed in the study. Its systemic evaluation draws attention to the medicinal properties of traditional herbs, reinforcing their potential in treating common parasitic infections prevalent in children exposed to inadequate hygiene and sanitation.
8) Bhallataka (BhallÄá¹aka, BhallÄtaka):
Bhallataka refers to a traditional treatment derived from Semicarpus anacardium, used in the study to address hookworm infections. Its inclusion underscores the potential for indigenous knowledge systems to inform modern treatment protocols and emphasizes the importance of exploring traditional remedies in the context of public health.
9) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the section of the paper where the findings of the study are interpreted and analyzed. It allows the authors to contextualize their results within existing scientific literature, assess the implications of their findings on public health, and suggest future research directions in treating helminthiasis.
10) Kampilla (KÄmpilla):
Kampilla, or Mellotus phillipinensis, is introduced in the study as a treatment for Hymenolepiasis. It demonstrates the utilization of native plants in traditional medicine and emphasizes the importance of exploring regional flora in developing effective, culturally relevant treatments for parasitic infections.
11) Epilepsy:
Epilepsy is mentioned as a health condition potentially associated with malnutrition and helminthiasis. The reference suggests the broader implications of untreated worm infections on children's health, linking parasitic infestations to neurological and developmental disorders, thereby underscoring the need for prompt medical intervention.
12) Prasuti (Prasūti):
Prasuti pertains to the Ayurvedic branch focusing on obstetrics and gynecology. Although indirectly related to the study, this term indicates the holistic approach of Ayurveda to healthcare, encompassing maternal and child health issues, including the prevention and treatment of diseases like helminthiasis among children.
13) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygiene plays a critical role in preventing helminthiasis, particularly in slum and rural areas highlighted in the study. Poor hygiene practices contribute to high incidences of worm infestations in children, emphasizing the need for improved sanitation and public health education to reduce the burden of parasitic infections.
14) Tantra (TantrÄ, Tamtra, Tantrism):
Tantra, in the context of Ayurveda, refers to a systematic approach or method for treatment. The paper utilizes this framework to explore the efficacy of traditional remedies for helminthiasis, showing how indigenous medicinal systems can provide structured, holistic healthcare solutions for common health issues like parasitic infections.
15) Kamila (KÄmÄ«la, KÄmilÄ, KamilÄ):
Kamila, referring to Kampilla powder, is utilized in the study to treat specific parasite infestations. Its effectiveness is evaluated in conjunction with other indigenous drugs, highlighting the role of traditional herbal formulations in addressing common health problems like helminthiasis in children.
16) Sharman (Åšarma, SarmÄ, Sarma, Sharma, Åšarman):
Sharma is one of the authors of the study, contributing to the research on helminthiasis in children. His involvement signifies the collaborative effort of healthcare professionals in exploring indigenous treatments and emphasizes the growing interest in integrating traditional medicine with contemporary scientific methodologies.
17) Blood:
Blood is referenced in the study concerning the health risks associated with helminthiasis, particularly in cases like ankylostomiasis, which can lead to significant blood loss and anemia. Understanding these interactions highlights the dire consequences of neglecting parasitic infestations and the need for effective treatment strategies.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Helminthiasis in children and its treatment with indigenous drugs�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Treatment regimen, Mode of action, Environmental condition, Clinical trial, Drug administration, Nutritional disorder, Indigenous Drug, Economic treatment, Sex incidence, Age Incidence.