Implications of traditional medicine in the treatment of Hepatitis A in Kerala
Authors
Abin Chandrakumar
aDepartment of Pharmacy Practice, Al Shifa College of Pharmacy, Poonthavanam, Kizhattur P.O, Perinthalmanna 679325, Kerala, India
Abin Xavier
bMannam Ayurveda Co-operative Medical College, Pathanamthitta, Pandalam 689501, Kerala, India
Augustine Xavier
aDepartment of Pharmacy Practice, Al Shifa College of Pharmacy, Poonthavanam, Kizhattur P.O, Perinthalmanna 679325, Kerala, India
Anas Manakkadiyil
aDepartment of Pharmacy Practice, Al Shifa College of Pharmacy, Poonthavanam, Kizhattur P.O, Perinthalmanna 679325, Kerala, India
Anupama Reghu
aDepartment of Pharmacy Practice, Al Shifa College of Pharmacy, Poonthavanam, Kizhattur P.O, Perinthalmanna 679325, Kerala, India
Levin Thomas
aDepartment of Pharmacy Practice, Al Shifa College of Pharmacy, Poonthavanam, Kizhattur P.O, Perinthalmanna 679325, Kerala, India
Keywords:
Traditional medicine, Hepatitis A, Ayurveda, Kerala, Homeopathy
Abstract
Introduction
The recent outbreaks of Hepatitis A in Kerala are suggestive of decrease in endemicity as most adults were not exposed during the childhood. In allopathic system of medicine, there is no established treatment for Hepatitis A and hence most people tend to rely on the alternate systems of medicine. The study was aimed at identifying the burden of Hepatitis A in the locality and to uncover the degree of dependence of the people on traditional systems of medicine.
Methods
The study spanned over 7 months and was conducted in Malappuram district of Kerala. A simple questionnaire having closed-ended questions was prepared and circulated among the physicians in the area. Demographic and other relevant details were obtained from the patients and the medicine system relied on was scrutinized.
Results
Of the 348 patients enrolled, majority of the patients were between the age of 10–30 years. The study revealed that females were more affected than males. Similarly people in rural areas were greater than those from urban areas. Most patients (73.28%) relied on Ayurvedic treatment after one week of onset of symptoms.
Discussion and conclusion
The preparations such as triphala which has great efficacy in treatment has to be further studied to establish the pathways and mechanism through which it acts. A collaborative effort between government, modern medicine and alternate medicine system can be highly effective in reducing the outbreaks of such epidemics through proper preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Keywords: Traditional medicine, Hepatitis A, Ayurveda, Kerala, Homeopathy
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