Management of Moderate Acute Malnutrition through Amylase-Rich Foods Powder along with Ashwagandha Rasayana: A Case Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63247/3048-7390.vol.1.issue5.1Keywords:
Balshosha, Karshya, Phakka, Parigarbhika, amylase-rich foodAbstract
Background:
Moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) is a critical global health issue, particularly affecting children under five. India's prevalence of underweight children is among the highest globally, nearly twice that of Sub-Saharan Africa. Malnutrition involves deficiencies or imbalances in energy and nutrient intake[1]. The modern approach for MAM includes providing adequate calories (150 kcal/kg/day) and proteins (3g/kg/day)[2]. However, reduced appetite in children often poses challenges for this treatment. Ayurveda identifies diseases like Balashosha, Karshya, Phakka, and Parigarbhika correlating with malnutrition, rooted in digestive fire disturbances (Agni Vaisamya). Correcting digestion is essential for proper absorption of nutrients.
The treatment modality is based on altering the Visam Agni with Deepan-Pachana Bhrimana by introducing an appetite stimulant. The case was managed with the help of Amylase-rich food powder as an appetite stimulator, and Ashwagandha Rasayan provided Bhrimhana.
Objective
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Cereal based Amylase food powder along with Ayurveda treatment.
Method
Following Ayurveda basic principles as root basis, A two years old female child with Moderate acute malnutrition (Balsosha). Based on the history provided by patients mother and after examining the patient treatment plan was made. The protocol included Amapāchan by Chitrakadi Vati and Agniwardhana with integration of Cereal based Amylase rich food powder and Brihmana by Ashwagandha Rasayana for Brihmana was introduced to the patient and dietary modifications as per requirement.
Result
The integrative treatment approach proved successful in achieving liking for food, improved appetite, digestion and weight gain. There was subjective as well as objective improvement in patient conditions.
Keywords: Balashosha, Karshya, Phakka, Parigarbhika, Amylase-rich food, Case report
References
1. Ghai, O. P., Gupta, P., & Paul, V. K. (2013). Ghai Essential Pediatrics (8th ed.). CBS Publishers & Distributors Pvt Ltd.
2. Ghai, O. P., Gupta, P., & Paul, V. K. (2013). Ghai Essential Pediatrics (8th ed.). CBS Publishers & Distributors Pvt Ltd
3. Ghai, O. P., Gupta, P., & Paul, V. K. (2013). Ghai Essential Pediatrics (8th ed.). CBS Publishers & Distributors Pvt Ltd
4. PC Sharma, MB Yelne, TJ Dennis. Database on Medicinal Plants used in Ayurveda, Volume-3, CCRAS, Department of ISM&H, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Govt. of India); p.89.
5. Ashtangasamgraha, Uttarasthana, Balaamayapratisedhaadhyaya, 3/21 Available from https://vedotpatti.in/samhita/Vag/vagbhata/?mod=home&con=as
6. Astangahridaya, Uttarasthana, Balaamayapratisedhaadhyaya, 2/44-56 https://vedotpatti.in/samhita/Vag/vagbhata/?mod=home&con=as
7. Charakasamhita, Sutrasthana, Astoninditiya, 21/11-12. Available from: https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecaraka/
8. Clinical cases in pediatrics by R. Rajamendran, Jaypee brothers medical publishers (P) LTD, First edition 2014, printed at Sanat Printers, Kundali. Case no.1.
9. Singhade Sapna Raoji, Lanjewar Swati Rajkumar. An Ayurvedic Critical Review on Nutritional Deficiency Disorders in Children. International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research. 2021;9(11):94-97. https://doi.org/10.47070/ijapr.v9i11.2137
10. Charakasamhita, Sutrasthana, Astoninditiya, 21/20, 29-33. Available from: https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecaraka/
11. Astanga Hridaya, Uttaratantra, , Balaamayapratisedhaadhyaya, 2/44-56 https://vedotpatti.in/samhita/Vag/vagbhata/?mod=home&con=as
12. Dr. Kulvinder Sandhu, Dr. Minakshi Chaudhary. Kuposhanjanya Vyadhies (Balashosha) in Children w.s.r. to P.E.M. : A Literary Review. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci [Internet]. 2020Apr.30 [cited 2025Apr.21];5(02):166-8. Available from: https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/880
13. Clinical cases in pediatrics by R. Rajamendran, Jaypee brothers medical publishers (P) LTD, First edition 2014, printed at Sanat Printers, Kundali. Case no.1
14. IAP Color Atlas of Paediatrics by A. Parthasarathy, Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers, New Delhi, 1st Edition, 2012.
15. Kishan Gopal Choudhary, Nitu Sinha and Nisha Kumari Ojha. A critical review of Ashwagandhadi leha on malnutrition in children. Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 2023;14(2):118-122
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7897/2277-4343.140253
16. Jaspal Singh s, Biren S, Shweta S, Suresh C, GS Lavekar, and M Padhi. Effects of Withania somnifera(Ashwagandha) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy young adults. Int J Ayurveda Res. 2010; 1(3): 144-149
17. Jaspal Singh s, Biren S, Shweta S, Suresh C, GS Lavekar, and M Padhi. Effects of Withania somnifera(Ashwagandha) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy young adults. Int J Ayurveda Res. 2010; 1(3): 144-149
Additional Files
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Ayurveda360
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
