Preprint / Version 1

The healing potential of Draksha-guduchyadi kavala in radiotherapy induced oral mucositis in non-metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck: A comparative case study

Authors

  • Saniya K aDepartment of Kayachikitsa, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
  • Mangalagowri Rao bDepartment of Swasthavritta Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
  • Sunil Choudhary cDepartment of Radiotherapy & Radiation Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
  • Om Singh aDepartment of Kayachikitsa, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Keywords:

Kavala, Mouth wash, Oral mucositis, Radiotherapy, Draksha-guduchyadi

Abstract

Patients undergoing Radiotherapy (RT) for Head and Neck carcinoma often suffer from side effects such as mucositis, xerostomia, pharyngitis, laryngitis and pain which are being managed symptomatically by mouthwashes of soda-salt, chlorhexidine or betadine. Among the side effects, oral mucositis is the most debilitating one. This comparative case study comprises of 4 patients undergoing RT. Here, 2 patients each are randomly allocated into two groups. One group received the existing prophylactic management i.e., Sodium bicarbonate-salt solution mouth wash and the other group received, Draksha-guduchyadi yoga for kavala (gargling). Both the sets of patients were asked to perform gargling, from the first day of radiation to 15 days thereafter. The effectiveness of both mouthwashes was compared for their healing potential on oral mucositis by RTOG grading. The reduction in mucositis was significant in the group which received Ayurvedic mouthwash compared to the other group. This study positively highlights the contribution of Ayurveda in cancer treatment especially in the field of quality of life. Keywords: Kavala, Mouth wash, Oral mucositis, Radiotherapy, Draksha-guduchyadi

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