Vacha Rhizome (Acorus Calamus) as a Memory Booster in Children
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Clinical Evaluation of Vacha Rhizome (Acorus Calamus Linn) as Memory Booster in Children
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Shreedevi Huddar
Professor and HOD, Post Graduate Department of Dravyaguna, Shri Shivayogeeshwar Rural Ayurvedic Medical College, Hospital and PG Research Centre, Inchal, Karnataka, India.
Elleri Anup Kumar
Assistant Professor, Post Graduate Department of Dravyaguna, Shri Shivayogeeshwar Rural Ayurvedic Medical College, Hospital and PG Research Centre, Inchal, Karnataka, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Clinical Evaluation of Vacha Rhizome (Acorus Calamus Linn) as Memory Booster in Children
Year: 2023 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v10i5.1358
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study investigates the efficacy of Vacha (Acorus calamus Linn) rhizome, recognized in Ayurveda as a "Medhya Rasayana," in enhancing memory in school children. The research involved two groups of volunteers from a primary school in Bangalore, with one group receiving Vacha rhizome churna (250 mg, twice daily) and the other receiving a placebo (Dextrin) for 48 days. The evaluation focused on memory enhancement through subjective assessments conducted before, during, and after the treatment period.
Memory Enhancement through Vacha Rhizome
Vacha is highlighted for its "Smruti vardhana" properties, which translate to memory-boosting effects in Ayurveda. This study specifically aimed to assess its impact on children who exhibited poor academic performance鈥攄efined as scoring below 50% in assessments. Results showed that children in the Vacha group demonstrated significant improvements in memory scores, concentration, and school performance compared to those in the placebo group. By the 96th day of follow-up, 80% of the children in the Vacha group exhibited notable enhancements, supporting the idea that herbal remedies can be effective in addressing cognitive deficits in students.
Efficacy and Safety Profile
The study also underscores the safety profile of Vacha rhizome, as no adverse effects were reported among participants throughout the treatment period. Unlike modern nootropic medications, which can induce side effects such as nausea and vomiting, Vacha appears to have a benign safety profile. The comparisons made at various intervals indicated that while the placebo group showed no statistically significant improvements, the Vacha group retained its benefits even after treatment cessation, reinforcing its long-term effectiveness as a cognitive enhancer in healthy children.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the findings suggest that Vacha rhizome churna serves as a promising memory booster for school-going children, with effective results observed in both memory performance and overall cognitive function. This study advocates for the inclusion of natural Ayurvedic supplements like Vacha in dietary regimens for children struggling academically, presenting a safer alternative to modern nootropic drugs. The research paves the way for further studies to explore the broader applications of Vacha in cognitive health and educational performance.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the purpose of using Vacha rhizome in children?
Vacha rhizome is evaluated as a memory booster in children. It is believed to enhance memory and cognitive functions, particularly in children who have performed poorly in school tests, offering a natural alternative to modern supplements.
What were the study groups and their treatment plans?
The study involved two groups: Group A received Vacha rhizome capsules (250 mg twice daily) for 48 days, while Group B received a placebo. Follow-ups were conducted at 48 and 96 days to assess memory improvements.
What were the results of the memory improvement study?
Results showed significant memory improvement in Group A compared to Group B. On day 96, 80% of children in Group A showed better responses in memory tests, demonstrating Vacha's effectiveness as a memory enhancer.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淰acha Rhizome (Acorus Calamus) as a Memory Booster in Children鈥�. 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) Vaca:
Vacha (Acorus calamus) is a rhizome mentioned in the study as effective in enhancing memory in children when used as a fine powder form. It has significant properties that improve Smruti or memory.
2) Drug:
The term 'drug' in this context refers to medicinal substances like Vacha, which are used for enhancing memory as well as other therapeutic purposes within Ayurveda.
3) Guna:
Guna refers to the properties or qualities of a substance. In Vacha, Ushna (hot), Tikshna (sharp), and Suksma (subtle) Gunas are highlighted, which promote Satwa Guna and enhance memory.
4) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana therapy in Ayurveda aims at rejuvenation and restoring body tissues. Vacha is categorized under Medhya Rasayana, specifically used for boosting memory.
5) Medhya:
Medhya refers to cognition-enhancing properties. Vacha is considered a Medhya Rasayana in Ayurveda, which includes Smruti vardhana and boosts memory.
6) Medicine:
In the context of the study, medicine, like the Vacha rhizome powder, aims to enhance memory in children, setting a natural alternative to modern synthetic drugs.
7) Kumar:
Elleri Anup Kumar, an Assistant Professor co-authoring the study, contributed to the clinical evaluation and structuring of the study.
8) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine from India focusing on holistic healing, balancing Doshas, and utilizing natural drugs like Vacha for various treatments including memory enhancement.
9) Mahabhuta (Maha-bhuta):
Mahabhuta refers to the five great elements in Ayurveda. Vacha, associated with Akasha and Agni Mahabhuta, influences memory and cognition positively.
10) Kaphaja:
Kaphaja is a type of Prakruthi or constitution characterized by the predominance of 'Kapha' Dosha, as classified within the participants in the study [see source text or glossary: Kaphaja].
11) Powder:
In the study, Vacha rhizome was administered in a fine powder form, encapsulated as 250 mg doses taken by the children.
12) Pitta:
Pitta refers to one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda, associated with digestion, metabolism, and intellect. Drugs with properties promoting Pitta Guna can enhance learning and memory.
13) Medha (Medhas):
Medha refers to intellect or cognitive capacities. Vacha's properties, as detailed, enhance Medha, thereby improving memory and cognitive functions in children.
14) Ushna (Usna):
Ushna Guna means 'heat' and is one of the qualities of Vacha. This heat is thought to stimulate bodily and mental functions, reducing kapha and promoting clarity and memory.
15) Agni:
Agni, the digestive fire, is crucial in Ayurveda for transforming substances into energy and understanding. Vacha impacts Agni, which is related to its cognition-enhancing capabilities.
16) Shri (Sri, Sr):
Shri Shivayogeeshwar Rural Ayurvedic Medical College, where the study was conducted, provided the facility for clinical research on Vacha rhizome for memory enhancement [see source text or glossary: Shri].
17) Vata:
Vata is another Dosha in Ayurveda, associated with movement and activity. The study categorized some children based on their Vata-predominant constitution [see source text or glossary: Vata].
18) Acorus calamus:
Acorus calamus is the botanical name for Vacha, the rhizome used in the study for its memory-boosting properties [see source text or glossary: Acorus calamus].
19) Knowledge:
Knowledge attainment is mentioned as dependent on Smruti or memory, highlighting the importance of enhancing memory to grasp and retain new information [see source text or glossary: Knowledge].
20) Vomiting:
Vomiting is noted as a side effect of modern nootropic drugs like Aniracetam, unlike the study's findings, where Vacha did not cause such adverse effects in children [see source text or glossary: Vomiting].
21) Sukshma (Suksma, Shukshma):
Suksma Guna means subtle. Vacha鈥檚 Suksma property helps it penetrate subtle channels in the body, aiding in cognitive function improvement [see source text or glossary: Suksma].
22) Pittaja (Pitta-ja):
Pittaja is a Prakruthi type characterized by the predominance of Pitta Dosha. The study included participants of different constitutions, including Pittaja [see source text or glossary: Pittaja].
23) Buddhi:
Buddhi denotes intellect in Ayurveda. Vacha influences Sadhak Pitta, thus improving Buddhi and cognitive capacities [see source text or glossary: Buddhi].
24) Nausea:
Nausea is another side effect associated with modern cognitive enhancement drugs, in contrast to Vacha, which did not cause nausea in the study participants [see source text or glossary: Nausea].
25) Indian:
The study was conducted in India, at Shri Jayachamarajendra Institute of Indian Medicine Hospital in Bangalore, reinforcing the traditional Indian practice of Ayurveda [see source text or glossary: Indian].
26) Yoga:
Yoga is referred to in the context of Ayurvedic formulations like Guduchyadi Rasayana Yoga, where Vacha is a key ingredient [see source text or glossary: Yoga].
27) Cikitsasthana (Cikitsa-sthana):
Cikitsa-sthana refers to a section in classical Ayurvedic texts where Acharya Sushruta mentions Ayurvedic medicines, including Vacha, for cognitive enhancement [see source text or glossary: Cikitsa-sthana].
28) Gurvadiguna (Gurvadi-guna):
Gurvadi-guna encompasses properties like Laghu, Ushna, Tikshna, etc., significant in determining the therapeutic attributes of Vacha [see source text or glossary: Gurvadi-guna].
29) Sutrasthana (Sutra-sthana):
Sutrasthana is a section in Ayurvedic texts, such as in Kashyapa, where Vacha is mentioned for its Medhya Rasayana properties [see source text or glossary: Sutrasthana].
30) Dravyaguna (Dravya-guna):
Dravyaguna Vigyan is the branch of Ayurveda focused on the properties of medicinal substances. The authors are professors in Dravyaguna, validating their expertise in the study [see source text or glossary: Dravyaguna].
31) Vibhramsha (Vibhramsa):
Vibhramsha or Smruti Vibhramsha refers to loss of memory, which may occur when Rajo and Tamo Gunas overpower Satwa Guna [see source text or glossary: Vibhramsha].
32) Discussion:
The discussion section of the study highlights how Vacha is a potent Medhya Rasayana improving memory and cognition without adverse effects seen in modern medications [see source text or glossary: Discussion].
33) Education:
Education is mentioned as a field where cognitive enhancements like Vacha can significantly benefit performance and learning in children [see source text or glossary: Education].
34) Picchila:
Picchila, meaning 'sticky', is one of the Gurvadi Gunas, relevant to understanding the nuanced properties of Ayurvedic substances including Vacha [see source text or glossary: Picchila].
35) Kashyapa (Kasyapa, Kashya-pa, Kashyapanamdana):
Kashyapa is an authoritative Ayurvedic text that mentions Vacha as a Medhya Rasayana, highlighting its cognitive benefits [see source text or glossary: Kashyapa].
36) Epilepsy:
Epilepsy is listed in the exclusion criteria of the study, with affected children not participating due to confounding factors [see source text or glossary: Epilepsy].
37) Indriya (Imdriya):
Indriya refers to the senses, integral in Ayurveda to our interaction with the world and cognition, enhanced by Smruti-vardhana drugs like Vacha [see source text or glossary: Indriya].
38) Samanya:
Samanya refers to the general principles in Ayurveda where like promotes like, relevant to the properties of Vacha being similar to those of Pitta [see source text or glossary: Samanya].
39) Visada (Vishada, Visha-da):
Vishada, meaning 'clear' or 'bright', is one of the properties of Vacha, helping in channel clearing, hence enhancing cognitive functions [see source text or glossary: Vishada].
40) Cikitsa:
Cikitsa means treatment or therapy in Ayurveda, where Vacha is used for its cognitive-enhancing effects as part of Medhya Rasayana [see source text or glossary: Cikitsa].
41) Gurvadi (Guru-adi):
Gurvadi properties such as Laghu, Tikshna, and Ushna are critical in Ayurveda for determining the therapeutic effects of substances like Vacha [see source text or glossary: Gurvadi].
42) Tikshna (Tiksna):
Tikshna means sharp or penetrating, a property of Vacha that helps in clearing mental channels and enhancing cognitive functions [see source text or glossary: Tikshna].
43) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
Astanga Ayurveda refers to the eight branches of the system, with Rasayana being one, focused on rejuvenation and using substances like Vacha for cognitive improvement [see source text or glossary: Astanga].
44) Dravya:
Dravya refers to the medicinal substance in Ayurveda. Vacha rhizome is the Dravya used in this study for enhancing memory [see source text or glossary: Dravya].
45) Akasha (Akasa):
Akasha or ether is one of the five Mahabhutas. Its predominance in Vacha contributes to its cognitive-enhancing properties [see source text or glossary: Akasha].
46) Ruksha (Ruksa):
Ruksha means dry; this is one of the Guna properties. Substances with Ruksha properties can help in clearing channels, pertinent to Vacha's effects [see source text or glossary: Ruksha].
47) Sthana:
Sthana typically refers to sections in Ayurvedic texts. Terms like Cikitsa-sthana and Sutrasthana delineate specific areas of study or practice [see source text or glossary: Sthana].
48) Nature:
Nature in the study context refers to the inherent qualities of substances like Vacha, important for their therapeutic efficacy [see source text or glossary: Nature].
49) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha refers to the functional principles of the body in Ayurveda. The study considered the balance of Doshas crucial for cognitive health [see source text or glossary: Dosha].
50) Satva (Shatva):
Satva represents the quality of purity and balance. Enhancing Satva with Vacha is key to improving memory and intellect [see source text or glossary: Satva].
51) Laghu:
Laghu means light; it's one of the Gunas describing the nature of substances. Vacha鈥檚 Laghu Guna makes it more effective in treating cognitive issues [see source text or glossary: Laghu].
52) Dhatu:
Dhatu corresponds to bodily tissues in Ayurveda. Proper nourishment of Dhatus, including using Rasayana like Vacha, supports overall health [see source text or glossary: Dhatu].
53) Manda (Mamda):
Manda means slow or mild, and is one of the Gurvadi Gunas significant in Ayurvedic treatment. However, Vacha itself has Tikshna (sharp) properties [see source text or glossary: Manda].
54) India:
The study was conducted in India, utilizing Ayurvedic principles and treatments, reinforcing the relevance of traditional Indian medicine in modern research [see source text or glossary: India].
55) Ayus (Ayush):
AYUSH is an acronym for Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. This study on Vacha falls under AYUSH research [see source text or glossary: Ayush].
56) Mala:
Mala refers to the waste products of the body, important for maintaining health when balanced. The study aimed for holistic health including cognitive function [see source text or glossary: Mala].
57) Atman (Atma):
Atma in Ayurveda refers to the soul or consciousness, suggesting deeper holistic health that includes mental well-being along with physical health [see source text or glossary: Atma].
58) Sara (Shara):
Sara means essence or best quality, pertinent to Ayurvedic treatment where the finest properties of substances like Vacha are utilized [see source text or glossary: Sara].
59) Mana:
Mana refers to the mind; it's crucial in Ayurveda for overall health. The study emphasizes mind health through Vacha鈥檚 cognitive-enhancing properties [see source text or glossary: Mana].
60) Jala:
Jala or water is one of the five Mahabhutas. Its balance is necessary for health, and Vacha, having Jala, aids in cognitive and overall well-being [see source text or glossary: Jala].
Other Science Concepts:
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