Clinical evaluation of Vṛṣya effect of Pūga Khaṇḍa on sexual health and seminal parameters

BACKGROUND: Due to changes in life-style, the human beings are losing their Vṛṣyatā (virility). Bio-medicine hasn’t been able to address this challenge. Hence, we see that many people seek the help of herbal medicines to get relief. In view of the above, it becomes necessary to provide potent formulations to address this ailment. OBJECTIVES: The study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of Pūga Khaṇḍa on seminal parameters and sexual health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pūga Khaṇḍa has been mentioned as Vṛṣya (aphrodisiac) in the 30(th) chapter of Bhaiśajyaratnāvalī. A simple-randomised, single-blinded, placebo-controlled study comparing this Pūga Khaṇḍa preparation with a placebo was conducted in 52 patients attending O.P.D. of Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana of Muniyal Institute of Ayurveda Medical Sciences, Manipal. An elaborative case taking Proforma was specially designed for this purpose incorporating all aspects of the disease in the Ayurvedic parlance. Both groups received either Pūga Khaṇḍa or placebo, in empty stomach in the early morning with water, as per the randomisation plan for a period of 45 days. Patients were followed-upto 4 weeks, 43 patients (84%) had completed the trial and no adverse effects were reported. The assessment was done on the basis of changes in seminal parameters and sexual health parameters. RESULTS: A varying degree of improvement was observed in sexual parameters viz. duration of coitus (P<0.001), frequency of coitus (P<0.01), Sexual desire (P<0.05), penile erection (P<0.01), A significant improvement was seen in duration of coitus (P< 0.001) in the group treated by Pūga Khaṇḍa. CONCLUSION: The trial drug Pūga Khaṇḍa was superior to placebo in reducing the mean sign and symptom score of seminal parameters and sexual health.