TO EVALUATE THE WEIGHT GAIN EFFICACY OF SAMVARDHANA GHRITAM IN UNDERWEIGHT CHILDREN – A REVIEW

Dr. Reena Dixit*

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Undernutrition is a condition, which arise due to inadequate consumption, poor digestion and/ or poor absorption of nutrients. Its manifest as wasting, stunting and underweight children. Being underweight according to age in children is the first sign of undernutrition. Underweight means percentile weight for age lies below -3 SD. However, sometimes malnutrition and protein energy malnutrition (PEM) are used interchangeably with undernutrition. Growing children are most vulnerable to its consequences. Their nutritional status is a sensitive indicator of community health and nutrition. Globally in 2020, 149 million children under 5 were estimated to be stunted (too short for age), 45 million were estimated to be wasted (too thin for height). Around 45% of deaths among children under 5 years of age are linked to undernutrition. According to Aacharya Charaka Atikrishya (Emaciated) persons are described under Ashtau-ninditiya Purusha along with Atisthaulya (obese) person. In childhood, causes of malnutrition and the syndromes arising from them, were described under Kuposhan Janya Vyadhi. There are many diseases or conditions in the field of pediatrics which do not have proper answer in contemporary medical science. example - sign, symptoms, pathogenesis and principle of treatment of childhood malnutrition as described in Ayurvedic literature. Principle Management of childhood undernutrition in modern medical science is based on fulfilment of calory and protein requirement according to age. It is not emphasized on digestive power. That’s way improvement in this condition is limited, especially in poor digestive condition. Ayurveda is a science that dealing with management of any disease based on Nidana Parivarjana and Agni Chikitsa. Therefore, to cure these conditions, “Brimhana chikitsa” has been mentioned i.e. along with a balance diet, rich-nutritious supplements that have Deepan-Pachana properties (improving digestion). which are mentioned in Alpmatra (less amount). It is described by the Acharyas as Lehana Yoga for childhood. Material and Method: The materials were collected from the classical Ayurvedic literatures and modern text books. Discussion: Karshya is Vata Pradhan disorder, Rasa Dhatu and Rasavaha Shrotas are Dushya, Jatharagni Mandyta occurs in this disease. So, the drug which helps to break the Samprapti by alleviating the Vata Dosha, correcting Agnimandya and Srotosodhana can be used in Karshya.

Keywords: Atikrishya, Atisthaulya, Kuposhan janya vyadhi, Brimhana chikitsa.