A BSTRACT Background: In developed countries, Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems. A prolapsed intervertebral disc (PIVD) is one of the leading causes of LBP. Snehana (~therapeutic massage) and Swedana (~sudation therapy) are the first and foremost treatment plans for any Vata Vyadhi. Gridhrasi is classified under the canopy of Vata Vyadhi. Erand Taila (castor oil) is prescribed as one of the Taila for Shodhana (~cleansing of channels) in Vata Vyadhi . It is a potent Adho Shakha Dosha Hara drug (~drug that cleanses the Dosha of the lower part of the body). Aim: This trial aims to determine the efficiency of Erand Taila in the management of Gridhrasi (PIVD). Methods: A randomized, controlled, open-label, single-centered clinical trial was conducted on a hundred patients of Gridhrasi (~prolapsed intervertebral disc). Patients aged 20–60 years having clinical characteristics resembling Gridhrasi as outlined in the Charak Samhita (pain and stiffness radiating from the lower back to lower limb), straight leg raising (SLR) test positive at 40° or less, and positive Lasegue test, having Visual Analog Scale (VAS) 3–8 and having Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) 21%–80%, were included. The intervention group patients were managed with Sarvang Abhyanga (~therapeutic massage) with Laghu Vishagarbha Taila, Sarvang Vashpa Swedan (~sudation therapy) with Dashmoola Kwath with oral administration of Trayodashang Guggulu 1 g thrice a day, and Erand Taila 10 ml twice daily for 14 days, whereas the control group participants were managed with Sarvang Abhyanga (~therapeutic massage) with Laghu Vishagarbha Taila and Sarvang Vashpa Swedan (~sudation therapy) with Dashmoola Kwath with oral administration of Trayodashang Guggulu 1 g thrice a day, daily for 14 days. The assessment was done based on improvement in SLR, VAS, ODI score, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Results: Highly significant results were seen in SLR (left leg) (53%), SLR (right leg) (53.33%), VAS (54.66%), ODI score (50%), and ESR (55.55%) in the intervention group. Conclusion: The study found an overall improvement in the signs and symptoms of Gridhrasi (PIVD) in the participants who had received Erand Taila , demonstrating its potential in managing this disease. More clinical trials should be carried out to validate the findings.
Kumari et al. (Mon,) studied this question.