Efficacy of Rituharitaki (seasonal adjuvant of Haritaki) on disorders of Varsha Ritu (monsoon) w.s.r. to quality of life: An open labelled randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Monsoon epidemics are always a serious concern in the public health sector. Administration of Haritaki with suitable vehicle as per season (Rituharitaki) is a simple, cost-effective preventive measure which can be used for such conditions. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Study objectives were to assess the effect of Rituharitaki in preventing the diseases in Varsha Ritu (monsoon) and its effect on the WHO quality of life BREF (QOL BREF), total leukocyte count (TLC), differential count (DC) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in healthy volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 82 participants, based on inclusion criteria, 60 participants were selected and randomly allocated into trial and control group of 30 each using a computer generated random number table. Intervention given was Rituharitaki (Terminalia chebula Retz) in tablet form-3 tablets of 1g each and Saindhava (rock salt) 1g with lukewarm water at 6.30 am on empty stomach to the participants of trial group for 60 days in Varsha Ritu in Kerala and were observed during this period. RESULTS: The results were analyzed using Chi-square test and paired t-test. Significant results were obtained in the trial group in reducing the severity and frequency of common cold (p < 0.001), cough (p < 0.05), and fever (p < 0.001). In the WHO QOL BREF domain 1 & 4 showed significant result in the trial group (p < 0.05). Among the haematological parameters - total leukocyte count (TLC), eosinophil count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were statistically significant reduced (p < 0.05) in the trial group. CONCLUSION: Rituharitaki is found to be effective in reducing severity and frequency of diseases in Varsha Ritu and had effect on quality of life of patients.