Kutajarishta in Garbhaṇī Atisāra: Reviving Ancient Wisdom through Modern Evidence

Background: Garbhaṇī Atisāra, or diarrhea in pregnancy, poses risks of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and fetal compromise. Ayurvedic medicine recommends Kutajarishta, a fermented herbal formulation, for managing Atisāra. However, evidence on its efficacy and safety in pregnant women is limited. Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of Kutajarishta in the management of Garbhaṇī Atisāra. Methods: An open-label, controlled clinical study was conducted with 100 pregnant women (12–32 weeks gestation) diagnosed with mild to moderate diarrhea. Participants were divided into two groups: intervention (Kutajarishta 20 mL twice daily, n=50) and control (standard supportive care, n=50). Primary outcomes included reduction in stool frequency and improvement in stool consistency (Bristol Stool Scale) over 7 days. Secondary outcomes assessed relief of gastrointestinal symptoms and maternal-fetal safety parameters. Data were analyzed using Student’s t-test and Chi-square test, with p