Safety and Prescription Trends of Rasa Aushadhis (Ayurveda Herbomineral Formulations): A Critical Appraisal of Reported Medical Practices from CCRAS Experience

Abstract

Background: In Ayurveda, metal and mineral-based formulations are popularly practised for their pleasant applicability and first-rate potency. There is no doubt about the safety and potency of Ayurveda Rasa Aushadhis if they are prepared and used as per the terms mentioned in the literature. For the globalisation of Ayurveda, safety and efficacy with quality control have become important affairs for the scientific presentation of truth/reality. The present study was undertaken to document and analyse the information from clinical records about gross safety and prescription trends of different Ayurveda Rasa Aushadhis. Methodology: Primary data collection was performed from 24 clinical centres of CCRAS through a prescribed format. Prescription records of patients during the last five years (1^st April 2012 to 31^st March 2017); irrespective of age, sex and religion, were analysed. Evaluation of these clinical records confined to prescription trends and consumption of 15 commonly prescribed Rasa Aushadhis (herbs-mineral formulations) was done to infer. Result and Observation: Overall, 1,09,307 patients were treated with prescribed Rasa Aushadhis, and there were no Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) or Suspected Adverse Reactions (SAR) or any untoward effects associated with the prescribed Rasa Aushadhis, during the full course of treatments as well as later/after follow-up. Analysis shows the conditions of clinical application of the Rasa Aushadhis were duly based on fundamental concepts of Ayurveda. Conclusion: Based on retrieved data from reported medical practices of Rasa Aushadhis in different clinical research facilities, the present study reveals the safety and rationale of using 15 commonly used Rasa Aushadhis across India. The study would certainly disseminate the merits of Ayurvedic Rasa Aushadhis in understanding gross safety and potency.