RETROSPECTIVE CASE ANALYSIS ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF BOERHAVIA DIFFUSA MOTHER TINCTURE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION
ABSTRACT
Background: Hypertension is a prevalent medical condition with significant health implications. This retrospective case record analysis aimed to investigate the efficacy of Boerhaavia diffusa mother tincture in managing hypertension. The study utilized data from diverse healthcare settings affiliated with Sivaraj Homoeopathic Medical College and Research Institute, Salem.
Methods: A total of 30 cases meeting the inclusion criteria, comprising both sexes aged between 30 to 75 years, diagnosed with hypertension based on clinical parameters (systolic BP >140 mmHg, diastolic BP >90 mmHg), and presenting common symptoms, were included. Exclusion criteria encompassed cases of secondary hypertension and those with incomplete follow-ups. The efficacy of Boerhaavia diffusa mother tincture was assessed by changes in blood pressure recorded during the treatment period. The study adhered to ethical guidelines, and all patients received Boerhaavia diffusa mother tincture as part of their therapeutic regimen.
Results and Discussion: Among the 30 cases analyzed, 6 patients exhibited marked improvement, 10 demonstrated moderate improvement, and 10 showed mild improvement, while 4 cases showed no improvement. Notably, the majority of patients experienced marked symptomatic relief. Despite the positive trend observed in the outcomes, the study has limitations, including a small sample size and the absence of a control group. The lack of detailed information on dosage and treatment duration further restricts the generalizability of the findings. The retrospective nature of the analysis introduces potential biases, and confounding factors such as lifestyle changes were not systematically addressed.
Conclusion: This retrospective case record analysis suggests a potential beneficial effect of Boerhaavia diffusa mother tincture in managing hypertension. The majority of patients experienced symptomatic relief, although caution is warranted due to study limitations. Future research, including well-designed randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes, is needed to establish the efficacy and safety of Boerhaavia diffusa mother tincture in hypertensive patients.
KEY WORDS: Boerhavia Diffusa, Hypertension, Homoeopathy
INTRODUCTION
Hypertension, recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global health concern, affects over 1 billion people worldwide, according to a 2014 report. The implications of hypertension extend beyond elevated blood pressure, substantially increasing the risk of heart failure by two to three-fold. Remarkably, approximately 25% of all heart failure cases are attributed to hypertension, with the condition preceding heart failure in 90% of instances, particularly among the elderly population. In 2004, hypertensive heart disease accounted for an estimated 1.0 million deaths globally, representing approximately 1.7% of all deaths and ranking 13th among the leading global causes of mortality across all age groups.,,,
The South-East Asia Region grapples with a significant burden of hypertension, affecting one out of every three adults. This prevalent condition, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and globalization leading to the adoption of unhealthy lifestyles, stands as the leading risk factor for mortality in the region. Claiming nearly 1.5 million lives annually, high blood pressure underscores the urgent need for effective management strategies. , Within the realm of holistic healthcare, homeopathy presents a promising avenue for addressing hypertension's multifaceted nature. Boerhavia diffusa mother tincture, with its distinctive symptom profile encompassing hypertension, palpitations, throbbing pain in the cardiac region, giddiness, and right-sided headaches, emerges as a potentially effective remedy. This article delves into further research exploring the efficacy of Boerhavia diffusa mother tincture in the management of essential hypertension, emphasizing the importance of its judicious use under the guidance of a qualified homeopathic physician.
Remedy Profile: Boerhavia diffusa
Boerhaavia diffusa, as a remedy, exhibits notable efficacy in addressing hypertension, encompassing symptoms ranging from mild to severe. The remedy is distinguished by its ability to target various systemic manifestations of hypertension, including vertigo, cardiac symptoms, and water retention. Patients presenting with right-sided headaches and abdominal pain find relief through Boerhaavia diffusa, making it a valuable consideration for those experiencing these specific manifestations.8,
Beyond its impact on hypertension, Boerhaavia diffusa demonstrates effectiveness in alleviating diverse symptoms. It plays a significant role in reducing giddiness, mitigating the swelling of eyelids, and providing relief in cases of asthma and heart troubles. The remedy's comprehensive approach to addressing not only hypertension but also associated symptoms such as headaches and abdominal pain underscores its potential as a versatile therapeutic option. These distinctive features contribute to Boerhaavia diffusa's profile as a valuable homeopathic remedy in managing a spectrum of conditions associated with hypertension, offering a holistic approach to patient care.,,,
METHODS
Study Design: This retrospective case record analysis was conducted at Sivaraj Homoeopathic Medical College and Research Institute, Salem, utilizing data from various sources, including Outpatient Department (OPD), Inpatient Department (IPD), peripheral centers, rural health camps, and medical camps conducted by the institution.
Source of Data: The case records from diverse healthcare settings affiliated with Sivaraj Homoeopathic Medical College and Research Institute were systematically screened for inclusion in the study. A total of 30 cases meeting the specified inclusion criteria were selected for further analysis.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Demographics: The study included both sexes with ages ranging from 30 to 75 years. 2. Diagnostic Criteria: Patients were included based on clinical parameters, specifically systolic blood pressure (BP) greater than 140 mmHg and diastolic BP greater than 90 mmHg. 3. Symptoms: Only patients presenting with common symptoms were included. 4. Treatment: Patients who were administered Boerhaavia diffusa mother tincture as part of their treatment were considered for the study.
Exclusion Criteria: 1. Secondary Hypertension: Cases with secondary hypertension were excluded from the study to ensure a homogenous study population. 2. Incomplete Follow-ups: Cases with incomplete follow-ups were excluded to maintain data integrity and reliability.
Criteria for Assessment: The primary endpoint for assessing the efficacy of Boerhaavia diffusa mother tincture was determined by changes in blood pressure levels recorded during the course of treatment. The evaluation focused on alterations in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements. These criteria were essential in gauging the impact of Boerhaavia diffusa on the hypertensive condition, forming the basis for the categorization of patients into different levels of improvement, as outlined in the results.
Treatment Protocol: All included patients received treatment with Boerhaavia diffusa mother tincture as part of their therapeutic regimen apart from the indicated single remedy. The dosage, frequency, and duration of treatment varied cases to case from 10 drops once a day to 20 drops thrice a day.
Ethical Considerations: The study adhered to ethical guidelines, maintaining patient confidentiality and ensuring that the retrospective nature of the analysis did not compromise the well-being of the individuals involved. As it involved the review of existing case records, informed consent from patients might have been obtained during routine clinical practice.
Results and Discussion:
The retrospective case record analysis of 30 eligible cases aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Boerhaavia diffusa mother tincture in patients with hypertension. The inclusion criteria were carefully defined, including both sexes with ages ranging from 30 to 75 years, diagnosed based on clinical parameters of elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure (>140/90 mmHg), and presenting with common symptoms. The patients were treated with Boerhaavia diffusa mother tincture, and the outcomes were categorized into four levels of improvement: No improvement, Mild improvement, Moderate improvement, and Marked improvement.
The results indicate a positive trend in the overall response to Boerhaavia diffusa mother tincture (Table & Figure). Among the 30 cases analyzed, 6 patients showed marked improvement, 10 demonstrated moderate improvement, and 10 exhibited mild improvement. However, 4 cases did not show any improvement in symptoms. Notably, the majority of the patients experienced marked symptomatic relief according to the case records.
S.No. | Result | Frequency | % |
1 | No improvement | 4 | 13.30% |
2 | Mild improvement | 10 | 33.30% |
3 | Moderate improvement | 10 | 33.30% |
4 | Marked improvement | 6 | 20% |
| Total | 30 | 100% |
Table: Distribution of Improvement Levels in Response to Boerhaavia Diffusa Mother Tincture Treatment
The table presents the distribution of improvement levels observed in a cohort of 30 patients undergoing treatment with Boerhaavia Diffusa mother tincture. The results are categorized into four levels: No improvement, Mild improvement, Moderate improvement, and Marked improvement. The total number of patients in each improvement category is provided, offering a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic outcomes observed in the study.
This pie chart visually represents the distribution of improvement levels among 30 patients treated with Boerhaavia Diffusa mother tincture. The chart illustrates the percentage breakdown of patients in each category: No improvement, Mild improvement, Moderate improvement, and Marked improvement. The visual depiction offers a clear and concise representation of the therapeutic responses observed in the study.
It is important to consider the limitations of the study, such as the relatively small sample size and the absence of a control group. The absence of a control group makes it challenging to establish a direct causal relationship between the administration of Boerhaavia diffusa mother tincture and the observed improvements. Additionally, other potential confounding factors, such as lifestyle changes or concomitant medications, were not systematically addressed in this retrospective analysis. Further comprehensive prospective studies are warranted.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the results of this retrospective case record analysis suggest a potential beneficial effect of Boerhaavia diffusa mother tincture in the management of hypertension. The majority of patients experienced symptomatic relief, with a significant proportion showing marked improvement. However, it is essential to interpret these findings cautiously due to the study's limitations, including the absence of a control group and the relatively small sample size.
Future research endeavors should include well-designed randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes to provide more robust evidence on the efficacy and safety of Boerhaavia diffusa mother tincture in hypertensive patients. Additionally, incorporating objective measures, such as blood pressure monitoring and standardized assessment tools, will enhance the reliability and generalizability of the findings. Overall, this preliminary analysis provides valuable insights, encouraging further investigation into the potential role of Boerhaavia diffusa in the management of hypertension.
