Management of Mutrashmari (urolithiasis) with Palasha Kshara and Ashmarihara Kwatha: An open-labelled placebo-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Mutrashmari (urolithiasis), a pathological condition of the urinary system where aggregation of urinary crystalloids takes place anywhere in the urinary tract, i.e., from the kidney to urinary bladder showing male preponderance (male:female = 2:1) and now becoming medico-surgical as well as economical challenge for all health-care systems. AIMS: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Palasha Kshara (alkali) with Ashmarihara Kwatha (decoction) in the management of Mutrashmari (urolithiasis). MATERIALS AND METHOD: Thirty-nine patients of Mutrashmari were selected and randomly allocated with a computerized randomized method into two groups. In trial group A (n = 20), capsule Palasha Kshara (Mridu), 500 mg three times a day after meal, and Ashmarihara Kwatha (decoction) (40 ml twice daily) were given orally after meals for 2 months. In placebo control group B (n = 19), placebo capsule (granulated wheat), was given in a dosage of 500 mg along with 3–4 l of water for 2 months. RESULTS: Patients of Palasha Kshara and Ashmarihara Kwatha group showed better relief in chief complaints, i.e., pain and increased frequency of micturition as compared to the placebo group. Complete remission of symptoms of Mutrashmari was more in patients treated with Palasha Kshara with Ashmarihara decoction. CONCLUSION: Palasha Kshara with Ashmarihara Kwatha is found more effective than placebo in the management of Mutrashmari (urolithiasis).