This pilot study explored the use of Ayurvedic treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in 13 patients, aged 12 to 62, alongside their recommended medical treatment. Of the patients who continued with Ayurvedic methods, they reported an average symptom relief of 84% without adverse effects, but follow-up data is limited with only five patients staying in the study for an average of 21.8 months. The findings suggest that Ayurvedic lifestyle changes and herbal supplements could benefit IBD patients, warranting further research to validate the results.

1. View Abstract
CONTROL ID: 2148895
CURRENT CATEGORY: Immunology, Microbiology & Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
PRESENTATION TYPE: AGA Institute Poster
PRESENTER: Peeyush Bhargava
PRESENTER (E-MAIL ONLY): peeyush_bhargava@yahoo.com
Abstract
TITLE: Ayurvedic Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: a Pilot Study
AUTHORS (LAST NAME, FIRST NAME): Bhargava, Peeyush
INSTITUTIONS (ALL): 1. Vedic Healing, Shreveport, LA, United States.
ABSTRACT BODY: Introduction: Ayurveda is the ancient Indian system of medicine which recommends
lifestyle changes and natural herbal supplement combinations for the treatment of bowel ulcers. In the setting
of an internet based practice of Intergative and Holistic Medicine, Ayurvedic methods were offered to patients
diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease. They continued their Gastroenterologist recommended treatment
with this approach. Lifestyle recommendations were published on a website and herbal supplements were
provided to the patients.
Materials and Methods: From 2011 to 2014, 13 (thirteen) patients were consulted. There were 8 males and 5
females, with ages ranging from 12 to 62 years. Four (4) patients were diagnosed with Crohn's disease and 9
(nine) with ulcerative colitis. Three (3) patients felt better but did not return to refill their herbal supplements
and no follow up data is available on them. Five (5) other patients were lost to follow up or did not show
interest in continuing this treatment. One patient (1) is new to the practice and no feedback available at the this
time. The lifestyle recommendations are posted on this webpage: http://www.vedic-healing.com/web/healing-
programs/inflammatory-bowel-disease/. The herbal supplement contains the following 10 herbs: Foeniculum
vulgare, Cyperus rotundus, Glycerhiza glabra, Aegle marmelos, Emblica officinalis, Tinospora cordifolia,
Messua ferrua, Plantago ovata, Withamnia somnifera, and Aloe Vera.
Results: Five patients (5) continued this treatment for an average of 21.8 months (ranging from 4-60 months).
Of these, three (3) patients were diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and two (2) with Crohn's disease. They
reported compliance to the recommeded lifestyle changes to the extent of 68% (ranging from 30-85%). The
reported relief in their symptoms was an average of 84% (ranging from 50 to 100%). None of the patients
reported any adverse effects from taking the herbal supplement.
Conclusion: Lifestyle changes and herbal supplements based on Ayurveda have a promising role in the
treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Futher studies are needed on a larger population along with scientific
studies to validate the mechanism of action of herbal supplements.
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Disclosure Status
The following authors have completed their 2015 DDW disclosure: Peeyush Bhargava: Disclosure
completed
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