Abstract

COMPARATIVE CLINICAL EVALUATION OF NIRAGNI SWEDANA, NASYA, AND VISHWADI KASHAYAM VERSUS THYROXINE SODIUM IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HYPOTHYROIDISM

Shalu Jain*, Abhishek Jain, Umesh Shukla

Abstract

Background and Rationale: Hypothyroidism is a prevalent endocrine disorder characterized by inadequate thyroid hormone production, manifesting clinically as weight gain, fatigue, constipation, dry skin, and hair loss. Although synthetic thyroxine remains the cornerstone of conventional management, its requirement for lifelong administration and associated risk of metabolic complications have prompted growing interest in exploring complementary and alternative therapeutic approaches. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of an Ayurvedic therapeutic regimen comprising Niragni Swedan (Vyayam), Nasya (Katutumbi Taila), and Vishwadi Kashayam in the management of hypothyroidism, and to compare its outcomes with standard levothyroxine (thyroxine sodium) therapy. Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trial was conducted at Pt. Khushilal Sharma Government Autonomous Ayurveda College & Institute, Bhopal, India. Forty newly diagnosed hypothyroid patients aged between 21 and 45 years were enrolled and randomly allocated into two groups of 20 participants each. Group A (Ayurvedic group) received NiragniSwedan, Nasya with Katutumbi Taila, and oral Vishwadi Kashayam, while Group B (Control group) received Thyroxine sodium as per the dosage prescribed by a qualified modern physician. The total study duration was 45 days, with an additional 15-day post-treatment follow-up period. Outcomes were assessed based on symptomatic relief and changes in serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Results: Group A demonstrated extremely significant improvements in constipation, tiredness, hair fall, dry skin, muscle ache, and BMI, with very significant relief in excessive sleep and significant improvement in edema. Serum TSH reduced from 10.292 mIU/mL to 5.812 mIU/mL in Group A (very significant) and from 8.626 mIU/mL to 4.495 mIU/mL in Group B (extremely significant), indicating comparable biochemical efficacy in both groups. Serum T3 and T4 remained statistically non-significant in both groups. Group B showed limited symptomatic and metabolic benefits, with no significant improvement in BMI. Conclusion: The Ayurvedic combination of NiragniSwedan, Nasya (Katutumbi Taila), and Vishwadi Kashayam demonstrated marked symptomatic relief and a statistically significant reduction in serum TSH levels, suggesting its potential as a safe, effective, and viable alternative therapeutic strategy in the management of hypothyroidism. Further large-scale, multi-centric trials are warranted to validate and establish these findings.

Keywords: Hypothyroidism, NiragniSwedan, Nasya, Katutumbi Taila, Vishwadi Kashayam,