Content uploaded by Soumya Mishra
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Soumya Mishra on Sep 16, 2014
Content may be subject to copyright.
Kumar Sai Sailesh et al / Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 5(4), Jul - Aug 2014
435
Research Article
www.ijrap.net
EFFECT OF CHYAWANPRASH ON COGNITIVE, AUTONOMIC AND RESPIRATORY PARAMETERS IN
COLLEGE STUDENTS
Kumar Sai Sailesh1, Archana R2, Soumya Mishra3, Symphoria4, Mukkadan JK5*
1Little Flower Medical Research Centre (LFMRC), Angamaly, Kerala, India
2Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Saveetha Medical College, Thandalam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
3Senior resident, Department of Physiology, JIPMER, Pondichery, India
4Vice Principal, St James College of Nursing, Chalakudi, Kerala, India
5Research Director and PhD Guide, Little Flower Medical Research Centre, Angamaly, Kerala, India
Received on: 24 /05/14 Revised on: 27/07/14 Accepted on: 22/08/14
*Corresponding author
Dr. Mukkadan JK, Research Director and PhD Guide, Little Flower Medi cal Research Centre, Angamaly, Kerala, India
E-mail: drmukkadan@gmail.com
DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.05489
ABSTRACT
Chyawanprash is an Ayurvedic formulation used in India since ages for its medicinal and nutriti onal value. In Ayurveda, chyawanprash is cl assified
under the cat egory of Rasayana, which is useful for general wellbeing, vitality and help in delaying ageing process.. Though, there are few studies
available on the usefulness of chyawanprash in the cognitive functions however, studies on management of dementia in human beings are still
inadequate. In the light of this, the present study was undertaken to explore the memory boosting potential of chyawanprash. 128 healt hy college
students (75 females and 53 males) were recruited from the students of various courses conducted in Little Flower Institute of Medical Sciences and
Research. Chya wanprash was given orally in a dose of one teaspoon full (appox. 15 g) twice a day for 150 successive days to the subject s in the test
group. On the basis of the study it may be concluded that chyawanprash is helpful in improving of cognition i.e. alertness, at tention and concentration;
well being and the academic performance for college students. Therefore, regular use of chyawanprash has a potential to build up academic
performance of students.
Keywords: Chyawanprash, Cognition, College students.
INTRODUCTION
Learning is an enduring change in behavior that results
from sensory information. Memory is the acquisition,
storage and retrieval of sensory information.1 From
physiological point of view, memory is divided into
explicit and implicit forms.2 Working or short-term
memory, also known as primary memory, registers and
retains incoming information for a short time (matter of
seconds) after its input.3 Long term memory is a function
of neo-cortex. Alzheimer’s disease is most common
neuro-degenerative disorder affecting memory areas.3
There are various herbs and Ayurvedic formulations
which are well documented to have memory boosting
actions. Chyawanprash is an Ayurvedic formulation used
in India since ages for its medicinal and nutritional value.
In Ayurveda, chyawanprash is classified under the
category of Rasayana, which is useful for general
wellbeing, vitality and help in delaying ageing process4-5.
It is being used long before the clinical importance of
vitamins, minerals and antioxidants was known.
Chyawanprash is a complex mixture of multiple
Ayurvedic ingredients. The health benefits of the
ingredients have been well documented scientifically. The
combination of these ingredients used in Chyawanprash
will provide better health benefits. In addition to the other
health benefits, it is helpful in promoting digestion and
helps relieve cough and other common respiratory tract
infections6- 9.
Aim and objective
Though, there are few studies available on the usefulness
of chyawanprash in the cognitive functions however,
studies on management of dementia in human beings are
still inadequate. In the light of this, the present study was
undertaken to explore the memory boosting potential of
chyawanprash.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Chyawanprash (Chy)
Zandu Sona Chandi Chyawanprash Plus was used in the
present study, which was manufactured by Hemma herbs
Pvt Ltd, India, licensed user of Emami Ltd, Kolkata,
India.
Study design and participants
The study was approved by Institutional Ethics
Committee of Little Flower Hospital and Research
Centre, Angamaly and St James Nursing College,
Chalakudy, India. A written, informed consent was
obtained from all the participants. The study was carried
out in accordance with the “Ethical Guidelines for
Biomedical Research on Human Participants, 2006” by
the Indian Council of Medical Research and the
Declaration of Helsinki, 2008. The clinical study was
conducted at Little Flower Medical Research Centre,
Angamaly and St. James College of Nursing, Chalakudy,
Kerala, India. 128 healthy college students (75 females
and 53 males) were recruited from the students of various
courses conducted in Little Flower Institute of Medical
Sciences and Research. The subjects were recruited via
advertisement on notice-boards. The advertisements
includes the information that the relationship between the
Chyawanprash and health benefits. A detailed medical
history was obtained from all participants by a semi-
Kumar Sai Sailesh et al / Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 5(4), Jul - Aug 2014
436
structured interview and by filling out a general socio-
demographic and medical questionnaire and they
underwent a standard physiological examination, which
enabled us to exclude individuals involved in
drug/alcohol abuse, and those taking any kind of
prolonged medication or suffering from chronic
debilitating disorders. The willing participants were
randomized into Control (n = 53) (35 females and 18
males) and test group (n = 75) (40 females and 35 males)
by simple randomization method using random numbers
generated through computer. Chyawanprash was given
orally in a dose of one teaspoon full (appox. 15 g) twice a
day for 150 successive days to the subjects in the test
group.
Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
Inclusion criteria
Students with normal average height and weight and
without any major diseases were included in the study.
Exclusion criteria
Students with any serious diseases, not willing to give
consent, drug/alcohol abuse, suffering from Chronic
debilitating disorders and taking prolonged medication
were excluded from the study.
Cognitive Parameters
Short term memory
Short term memory performance reflects alertness,
attention and concentration of the subjects. In this study to
observe the cognitive functions, free- recall task of words,
numbers and pictures in six sessions were performed10-11.
These test parameters were earlier been studied in one of
the study conducted to see the difference in short term
memory in healthy males and females12. On day 0 before
the administration of chyawanprash, this task was
performed in both control and test groups. From day 1,
one teaspoon full of chyawanprash twice a day was given
orally to test group for 150 days. On 151st day, the task
was performed. The results were compared to observe
memory boosting effect of chyawanprash. At the
beginning plain paper was given to all the subjects in
which they were asked to write their age, sex and any
history of cognitive disorder or head injury. To test the
short-term memory of the subjects, six sessions were
planned. First three sessions were prepared with ten
words, numbers and pictures. In the first session a list of
ten words were displayed. Ten words were carefully
selected to ensure that they were unrelated. In second
session, ten random numbers were displayed; and in third
session, ten pictures were displayed which are unrelated.
The subjects were asked to recall the displayed words,
numbers and pictures. Numbers of the correct items
recalled were measured. In each session, ten words,
numbers and pictures were displayed to all the subjects
for one minute and one minute break was given where
words or numbers or pictures are not displayed and
discussions was done with the subjects about the sports
and politics to prevent them to recall the words. After this
one minute break, in each session all the subjects were
provided with one minute time to write the words,
numbers and name of the pictures displayed on a paper.
Similarly, the last three sessions were prepared with
twenty words, numbers and pictures in each session and
similar technique was followed. At the end of each
session, papers were collected from the participants.
Academic Performance
Performance of students in theory examinations was
compared between test and control groups at the end of
the study.
Autonomic and Respiratory Parameters
Blood pressure, pulse rate were measured and compared
between test and control groups. Po2 was recorded by
Pulse oximetry13. Data was analyzed by SPSS 20.0, using
Independent sample t test.
RESULTS
The results of effect of chyawanprash on cognitive,
autonomic and respiratory parameters in college students
are presented in Table 1 to Table 5. Table 1 showing
demographic information and Table 2 to 5 showing
changes in cognition, autonomic, respiratory parameters
before and after administration of chyawanprash. Figure 1
showing comparison of academic performance between
control and test groups.
Table 1: Mean age of t he subjects in control and test groups
Group
Number of participants
Age
Control
53
19.56 ± 1.59
Test
75
19.68 ± 1.53
Total
128
19.63 ± 1.55
Table 2: Mean values of free recall of words, numbers and pictures in six rounds before administratio n of chyawanprash in both the groups
Round number (Short te rm memory test)
Control
Test
p value
Round 1 (10 words)
8.62 ± 1.03
7.84 ± 1.25
< 0.001*
Round 2 (10 numbers)
7.52 ± 1.69
6.99 ± 1.59
0.073
Round 3 (10 pictures)
8.54 ± 0.64
9.01 ± 0.60
< 0.001*
Round 4 (20 words)
14.83 ± 1.88
14.71 ± 1.75
0.713
Round 5 (20 numbers)
15.25 ± 2.76
15.01 ± 2.07
0.584
Round 6 (20 pictures)
17.04 ± 2.19
17.07 ± 1.90
0.938
*P value < 0.001 i s statistically significant
Kumar Sai Sailesh et al / Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 5(4), Jul - Aug 2014
437
Table 3: Mean values of Blood Pressure, Pulse rate and Po2 in control and test groups before administration of chyawanprash in
both the groups
Parameter
Control
Test
p value
Po2
96.64 ± 2.71
95.55 ± 2.79
0.030
Pulse rate
93.42 ± 7.17
87.59 ± 13.28
0.005
Systolic Blood Pressure
132.29 ± 19.09
125.57 ± 18.64
0.050
Diastolic Blood Pressure
79.37 ± 11.26
77.32 ± 11.99
0.335
P value < 0.001 is statistically significant
Table 4: Mean values of free recall of words, numbers and pictures in six rounds after administratio n of chyawanprash
Round number (short te rm memory test)
Control
Test
p value
Round 1 (10 words)
8.32 ± 1.28
9.35 ± 0.90
< 0.001*
Round 2 (10 numbers)
6.74 ± 1.67
7.80 ± 1.84
0.001
Round 3 (10 pictures)
8.08 ± 2.25
9.36 ± 0.99
< 0.001*
Round 4 (20 words)
15.13 ± 2.65
17.58 ± 2.03
< 0.001*
Round 5 (20 numbers)
14.49 ± 2.85
15.69 ± 2.83
0.020
Round 6 (20 pictures)
15.74 ± 2.55
18.93 ± 1.33
< 0.001*
*P value < 0.001 i s statistically significant
Table 5: Mean values of BP, Pulse rate and Po2 in control and test groups after chyawanprash administration
Variable
Control
Test
p value
Po2
95.62 ± 4.12
97.07 ± 2.47
0.015
Pulse rate
86.94 ± 8.04
85.07 ± 8.51
0.213
Systolic Blood Pressure
127.60 ± 13.26
118.76 ± 10.74
< 0.001*
Diastolic Blood Pressure
76.98 ± 7.43
73.70 ± 8.71
0.028
*P value < 0.001 i s statistically significant
Table 6: Mean values of academic performance (pe rcentage of marks in theory examinations) i n control and test groups
Variable
Control
Test
p value
Academic performance
46.45±14.69
61.64±11.72
<0.001
P value <0.001: statistically significant
DISCUSSION
According to the Charaka Samhita, Chyawanprash is "the
foremost of all rasayanas"14. Various plants and their
isolated phytochemicals have been used for treatment of
various disorders related to learning and memory15.
Chyawanprash is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation,
useful for general wellbeing, vitality, vigor and for
rejuvenation. In an earlier study, administration of
chyawanprash for 15 consecutive days significantly
improved the memory of aged mice when compared to
young mice. Chyawanprash increases cholinergic
transmission by inhibiting acetylcholineesterase. It also
decreases free radical generation and increased
scavenging of free radicals.16 In the present study,
chyawanprash was administered to 75 college students
and their cognition i.e. alertness, attention and
concentration and respiratory parameters were recorded
before and after administration. It has been observed that
their cognition improved significantly when compared
with control group in recall task of words, number and
picture. The vitals such as blood pressure, pulse,
oxygenation were also recorded which were within
normal range. Their academic performance in percentage
of marks in theory examination was significantly
improved when compared with control group. Zandu
Sona Chandi Chyawanprash Plus is enriched with natural
nootropic agents (NNA) like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri),
Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Ashwagandha
(Withania somnifera), Jyotishmati (Celastrus
paniculatus), Almond (Prunus amygdatus), Guduchi
(Tinospora cordifolia) etc along with other potential
Ayurvedic ingredients. It is being prepared from multiple
Ayurvedic ingredients majority of which help in
fortifying the natural immunity, thus protecting from
common day to day infection such as cough and cold.
Besides immunity, presence of NNA helps in improving
memory, concentration and in keeping the mind alert.
CONCLUSION
Basis the study it may be concluded that chyawanprash is
helpful in improving cognition i.e. alertness, attention and
concentration; well being and the academic performance
for college students. Therefore, regular use of
chyawanprash has a potential to build up academic
performance of students.
ACKNOWLEDGEME NT
We acknowledge with thanks to E mami Limited, Kolkata, India for their
support to provide free samples of Zandu Sona Chandi Chyawanprash
Plus for study. We also acknowledge the students of St. James College
of Nursing and Little Flower Institute of Medical Sciences, Angamaly,
India for their acti ve participation and support.
REFERENCES
1. Sabyasachi Sircar. Principles of Medical Physiology: 2nd Edition.
New Delhi: Thieme Publishers; 2014.
2. Kim E Barrett, Susan M Bar man, Scott Boitano, Hedd wen L
Brooks. Ganong’s review of Medical physiology. 24th edition: Ne w
Delhi; Tata Mc Graw-Hill Education Pvt Ltd; 2012. p. 283.
Kumar Sai Sailesh et al / Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 5(4), Jul - Aug 2014
438
3. OP Tendon, Y Tripathi. Best and Taylor’s Physiological basis of
medical practice.13th edition. Haryana; Wolter Kluwer Pvt Ltd;
2012. p. 1213.
4. M Parle and N Bansal. Traditional medicinal formulation,
Chyawanprash-a review, Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge
2006; 5: 484–488.
5. RK Sharma. Samhita Chikitsa Sthanam. 1st editi on, Varanasi; India;
Bhagwan Dash Choukhambha Sanskrit Series Office; 1988. p. 20-
22.
6. S Manjunatha, AK Jaryal, RL Bijlani, U Sachdeva and SK Gupta.
Effect of Chyawanpra sh and vitamin C on glucose tolerance and
lipoprotein profile, Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
2001; 45(1): 71–79.
7. JK Jose and R Kuttan. Hepatoprotectice activity of Emblica
officinalis and Chyavanaprash, Journal of Ethnopharmacology
2000; 72(1-2): 135–140. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0378-
8741(00)00219-1
8. SS Handa, A S harma and KK Chakraborti. Natural products and
plants as liver protecti ng drugs, Fitoterapia 1986; 57(5): 307–351.
9. JK Ojha, NN Khanna, HS Bajpay and N Sharma. A clinical study
on Chyawanprash as an adjuvant in the treatment of pulmonary
tuberculosis, Journal of Research in Indian Medicine 1975; 10: 11–
14.
10. UK Essays. The Effectiveness of Pictures and Word s on Memory
Recall Psychology Essay. http://www.ukessays.com/essays
/psychology/the-effectiveness-of-pictures-and-words-on-memory-
recall-psychology-essay.php?cref=1; 2013.
11. Mac Kenzie Thayer, Ruhee Singh, Eric Polich, Justin Riederer and
Anton Kvit. University of Wisconsin – Madison Physiology, 435.
http://jass.neuro.wisc.edu/2013/01/Lab%20603%20Group%203%2
0Lab%20Report.pdf.
12. Sailesh Sai Kumar, George Ji ssa, JK Mukkadan. A study on
difference in short term me mory in healthy males and fe males of
Kerala. Journal of Nobel medical College 2013; 2(2): 57-61.
13. SS Kumar, J George, JVK Mohamed, Dr Divya, A Jose, JK
Mukkadan. Pulse rate and Spo2 in different phases of menstrual
cycle in healthy women of Kerala. Janaki Medical College Journal
of Medical Sciences 2013: 1(2): 65-69.
14. Anil Kumar, Puneet Rinwa, Preetinder Kaur. Chyawanprash: A
wonder Indian rasayana from Ayurveda t o modern age. Criti cal
review in Pharmaceuitical Sciences 2012; 1(2): 1-7.
15. AV Patt ewar, RG Katedeshmukh, NS Vyawahare, VG Kagathara.
Phyto medicines and cognition. International Journal of
Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research 2011; 2(4): 778-791.
16. Bansal N, Parle M. Beneficial effect of chyawanprash on cognitive
function in aged mice. Pharm Biol 2011; 49(1): 2-8. http://dx
doi.org/10.3109/13880209.2010.489904
Cite this article as:
Kumar Sai Sailesh, Archana R, Soumya Mishra, Symphoria, Mukkadan
JK. Effect of Chyawanprash on cognitive, autonomic and respiratory
parameters in college students. Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm.
2014;5(4):435-438 http://dx.doi.org/10.7897 /2277-4343.05489
Source of support: Nil, Conflict of interest: None Declared