‘A clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of Tanduliyah( Amaranthus spinosus) in Lutha visha’

A clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of Tanduliyah(Amaranthus spinosus) in Lutha visha 

Dr.Prasanth S.R.

2005-2008

Under the guidance of

Dr. S.R. Manju, MD(Ay), D.A.T. &Dr. C. Vijayalakshmi, MD(Ay), D.A.T.

Abstract

Lutha visha or spider poisoning is very common in Kerala especially in the lower socio-economic group. Even now a day a lot of misunderstandings and false illusions prevalent about spider poisoning in common people. Spider poisoning is dealt with great importance in all Ayurvedic texts. Spiders are found world wide except in Antarctica. All the spiders are poisonous but only a few are dangerously poisonous to man. In this study a mode of treatment with a single drug which is very cheap and available in most parts of the world is tried .For this Tanduliyah (Amaranthus spinosus) is selected. This is a plant available in most part of the world except in very cold countries. It is indicated for all kinds of poison irrespective of sthavara and jangama visha in ayurvedic classics. Some texts mention this plant as a specific remedy for spider poisoning. Traditional practitioners in Kerala use this drug in spider poisoning management.

A Clinical trial was done in Agadatantra O.P., Govt Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram. Total twenty subjects suffering from Lutha Visha satisfying inclusion criteria were selected and divided randomly in two groups. One group receiving control drug Neelithulasyadi kashaya internally and Vilwadi gulika externally and another group receiving study drug Tanduliyah kashaya internally and Tanduliyah sookshma choorna externally. Before administering the study drug and control drug, a single dose of Avipatthi churna was given. From the third day onwards the respective drug is advised to be taken for about twenty one days followed by follow up for about fifteen days. Thorough clinical assessment was done before and after the treatment. The results were analyzed statistically.

The hypothesis formulated was tested statistically .The effectiveness of the treatment was assessed using Wilcoxon test and the improvement obtained in each group was compared with Mann-Whitney test. Comparing both groups regarding clinical variables and lab investigations both groups are equally effective.  Research drug though carries many a plus points to its merit like availability, effectiveness, cheapness etc, did not prove any upper hand over traditional Lutha visha drug. Anyway research drug alone can counter act all the ill effects of Lutha visha and render total cure.