Randomized Open-Label Trial Comparing Two Ayurvedic Churna Formulations for Hair Fall (Keshapatana) among Young Female Patients

Abstract

Background: Ayurveda describes hair fall as Keshapatana or Khalitya. Increased physical and psychological stress negatively impacts the hair health. Telogen effluvium and female pattern hair loss are commonly prevalent in young females. Ayurveda considers kesha as mala of Asthi dhatu, suggesting that addressing pathology in Asthi dhatu may help manage hair fall. Aim: To assess the efficacy of Asthimajjapachak Churna (AMC) compared with Shwadamshtradi Rasayana Churna (SRC) for managing hair fall in young females. Methods: An open-label, randomized, parallel-group clinical trial was conducted on 60 females aged 21-30 years with hair fall. Group A (trial group) received AMC and group B (control group) received SRC, both administered at 1.5 g twice daily with ghee and honey on an empty stomach for 30 days. Assessments were performed using the classical symptoms, the hair pull test and the Ludwig test. Results: Most patients had Pitta dominant prakruti with excessive Lavana (salty) and Katu (spicy) rasa in their diets. Asthivaha srotas dushti was observed in 98.33% patients, whereas Rasavaha srotas dushti was noted in 53.33% patients. An overall therapeutic relief of 58.45% was observed in Group A, compared to 35.94% in Group B. Conclusion: A higher number of patients showing Asthivaha srotas dushti, indicates involvement of Asthigata dosha in hair fall. Alleviation of Asthigata dosha may promote the physiological formation of healthy hair, which is specially achieved in the present study in Group A. This result is highly significant than previous works conducted on hair fall.