Efficacy of Brahmighruta in Mild Neurocognitive Disorder - A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Context: Mild Neurocognitive Disorder (NCD) due to possible Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause and lacks adequate management strategies. Aims: Current study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Brahmighruta (Ayurveda Medicine) on Mild Neurocognitive Disorder due to possible Alzheimer’s disease. Settings and Design: Study was a randomized controlled parallel group trial. Methods and Material: Total 52 patients meeting the DSM V criteria of mild NCD due to possible AD, above 60 years of age, either sex participated in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups, Group I received donepezil 10 mg once a day for 90 days and group II received Brahmighruta  10ml twice a day before food with warm water for 90 days. Assessments were through Mini mental state examination (MMSE), Alzheimer’s disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog), Disability Assessment for Dementia (DAD), Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD), DEMQOL (version 4) and UKU Side effect scale. Assessments were on every 15^th day. Results: Effect of Brahmighruta and donepezil were comparable in MMSE (p=0.67), ADAS Cog (p=0.16), DAD (p=0.07), CSDD (p=0.29), DEMQol (p=0.14). Effect size was large. Improvements were observed in both the groups on within group assessments. Eight mild adverse events were noted with Donapezil but non with Brahmighruta. Conclusions: Brahmighruta and Donapezil showed similar improvements in all outcome measures. Due to lack of adverse effects Brahmighruta may be a preferred substitute for Donapezil.  Needs further studies.