A COMPARATIVE CLINICAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF JEERAKA AVALEHA IN RAKTAPRADARA

Background: Raktapradara, classified under Raktapradoshaja Vikāra and described as excessive or prolonged uterine bleeding, correlates with Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB) in modern gynecology. With hormonal therapy often limited by adverse effects and poor compliance, Ayurveda offers effective management. Jeeraka Avaleha, mentioned in Yogatarangini under Pradara Chikitsa, possesses Raktastambhaka, Pitta-śāmana and Deepana-Pachana properties, making it a promising intervention.[15,16] Aim: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of Jeeraka Avaleha with Pushyanuga Choorna in Raktapradara. Materials and Methods: A randomized comparative clinical study was conducted on 40 patients diagnosed with Raktapradara. They were randomly divided into two groups of 20 each. Group A (Trial): Jeeraka Avaleha 24 g twice daily beforefood with Kṣhīra/Sukhoṣṇa Jala, from the 4th day of menstruation for 8 days, for two consecutive cycles. Group B (Control): Pushyanuga Choorna 6 g twice daily before food with Madhu and Tandulodaka, following the same schedule. Assessment parameters included duration and interval of cycles, amount of bleeding (PBAC score, pad count), and associated symptoms. Statistical analysis was performed using Repeated Measures ANOVA on Ranks and Paired t-test and Mann–Whitney test. Results: Both groups showed statistically significant improvement (p < 0.001) in amount and duration of bleeding and associated complaints pain, irregularity, intermenstrual bleeding, clots change in odor, color etc. Jeeraka Avaleha showed faster symptomatic relief and better palatability, whereas Pushyanuga Choorna provided steady, sustained improvement in terms amount of bleeding and duration of bleeding. Intergroup comparison showed no significant difference (p > 0.05), indicating comparable efficacy. Conclusion: Both Jeeraka Avaleha and Pushyanuga Choorna are safe, effective and clinically comparable in Raktapradara. Their combined Raktastambhaka, Pitta-śāmana and Rasāyana effects support them as holistic Ayurvedic options for the management of DUB.