Efficacy of Brahmi Vati and Saraswatarista in generalized anxiety disorder – A randomized controlled trial

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental illness characterized by persistent, excessive worry and anxiety, often associated with sleep disturbances, irritability and concentration problems. This study investigates the efficacy of the Ayurvedic formulations Brahmi Vati and Saraswatarista compared to escitalopram in patients with GAD.

Method

The study was conducted as a randomized controlled clinical trial and included 50 patients aged 18 to 60 years diagnosed according to DSM-5 criteria for GAD. The patients were divided into two groups:

Group A (control group): Received escitalopram 10 mg/day for 10 days followed by 20 mg/day for 50 days.

Group B (Ayurveda group): Received Brahmi Vati (500 mg thrice daily) and Saraswatarista (10 ml thrice daily) for 60 days.

The evaluation was based on the following scales:

Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS)

GAD-7 Scale (GAD-7)

Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)

Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)

Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)

WHO Quality of Life – BREF (WHOQOL-BREF)

Clinical Global Improvement Scale (CGI)

UKU-Side Effect Scale (UKU)

Blood tests (haemoglobin, liver and kidney parameters) were carried out at the beginning and end of the study.

Results

1. Primary results:

HARS: Both groups showed significant reductions in anxiety scores (p < 0.001). The effect was comparable in both groups.

2. Secondary results:

PSQI (sleep quality): The Ayurveda group showed a significantly greater improvement in sleep quality compared to the escitalopram group (p = 0.003).

ESS (daytime sleepiness): The escitalopram group showed an increase in daytime sleepiness, while the Ayurveda group showed an improvement in daytime sleepiness (p < 0.001).

CGI-Global Improvement (CGI-GI): The Ayurveda group showed greater improvements (p = 0.006).

CGI-Efficacy Index (CGI-EI): Ayurveda showed significantly better effects (p = 0.001).

UKU-Side Effect Scale: Milder side effects were reported in the Ayurveda group (p = 0.005).

3. Side effects:

Side effects were more common in the escitalopram group, including fatigue, nausea and decreased libido.

In the Ayurveda group, mild side effects such as drowsiness and decreased appetite were reported in 3 patients.

The study shows that Brahmi Vati and Saraswatarista achieve comparable effects to Escitalopram in the treatment of GAD, but with better sleep quality, less daytime sleepiness and fewer side effects. The Ayurveda group also benefited from greater global improvement and better quality of life. Future studies should further investigate the long-term effect and mechanisms of action of the Ayurvedic formulations.