Effect of Japakusuma mukula (flower buds of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn.) with Ksheera in Asrigdhara – A case report.

Abstract

Asrigdhara (abnormal uterine bleeding), which manifests as profuse vaginal bleeding, has existed for centuries and has been known to humans from the time of the Vedas and Puranas. Asrigdhara can be defined as excessive or extended bleeding during menstruation or even minimal bleeding during the interim between cycles. While considering the symptoms of Asrigdhara, it can be compared with the abnormal uterine bleeding which broadly refers to menstrual irregularities outside of pregnancy that affect frequency, regularity, length and flow volume. In the famous Ayurvedic book Chikitsamanjeri and in the classical textbook Gada Nigraha in the context of Asrigdhara it is said that, about 10-12 Japakusuma mukula (flower buds of Hibiscus rosa- sinensis Linn.) along with ksheera (milk) is very effective in treating the specific condition of excessive uterine bleeding.  A clinical case of Asrigdhara was selected as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria and was given medication orally in the form of 1.5 grams of bhavitha choorna (triturated powder) of Japakusuma mukula mixed with 4 times ksheera, one hour before food for 5 days from the first day of menstruation for three consecutive menstrual cycles. Assessment of the reduction in the symptoms were made as per PBAC scale and the associated symptoms such as increase in the duration of bleeding, irregularities in menstrual cycle, pain and fatigue were assessed as per the four-point vertebral scale. The follow up was also done for 3 months to analyse whether static effect of the drug continues. The case study revealed significant reduction in bleeding and passing of clots during menstruation, while its effect gradually declined during the follow-up period.