Abstract: A potent formulation like Trailokya Vijaya Vati acts as an effective drug of choice in arrays of pain conditions. However, the present case study portrays the efficacy of this herbal medicine in the successful management of Crohn’s Disease.
Crohn’s Disease is one of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease which may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus. Developing gradually over a period, this chronic idiopathic condition results in episodes of abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, and unexplained weight loss and these are enough to make an otherwise happy life of an individual a living hell.
Discussed below is the case of a 34 yr old male who presented with Crohn’s Disease for the past few years. The condition was hampering with the day-to-day life as the patient was having the urge to go to the loo after every meal.
He was on regular follow-ups along with some classical ayurvedic yoga asanas to manage this condition. However addition of Trailokya Vijaya Vati resulted in exceptional results and overall improvement in the parameters.
Introduction
Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive tract with an increasing incidence worldwide. It is characterized by its unpredictable episodes of relapse and remission of bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and weakness. It is hypothesized to be occurring due to the imbalance between anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory mediators in the gastrointestinal tract.
Ayurvedically, the causation of Crohn’s Disease can be blamed on weakened Agni and Ama (toxins) formation, leading to the vitiation of Grahani, the site of body fire. A sedentary lifestyle with increased intake of junk and processed food, improper sleep, and eating patterns can be attributed as a few causes leading to this mayhem.
It is however interesting to note that the endocannabinoid system that is activated by Cannabis with the help of G-protein coupled cannabinoid receptors promotes gastroprotective action.
As per various studies and research, it has been stated that Intestinal Bowel Disease like Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, and other gastrointestinal disorders associated with motility and secretion can be effectively dealt with the stimulation of ECS with the help of natural cannabinoids present in Cannabis.
Trailokya Vijaya Vati being a formulation of Cannabis bring a ray of hope in dealing with complex GIT conditions including IBDs.
Case Report
Patient Description
This is a case study on a 34 yr old male suffering from Crohn’s Disease. The symptoms observed were, urge to defecate after every meal followed by abdominal pain, and disturbed sleep. He has been under treatment for the past few months.
Case History
The patient was suffering from on and off episodes of stomach upsets, but he ignored them and took over-the-counter medications to treat it. Gradually as the intensity of the symptoms increased it started affecting his daily routine and sleep. This was the time when he decided to seek some medical intervention.
Various investigations including colonoscopy concluded the diagnosis as Crohn’s Disease. After unsuccessful attempts of managing through a conventional approach, he seeks Ayurvedic treatment for the same.
Treatment Plan
Initially, the patient was kept on Deepan-Pachan and Samgrahi Yoga like Shundeesamangadi Kashayam and Sudarshanam Gulika. Basti with Bilvadi Taila was also planned in between. These medications helped in reliving the symptoms in a period of 2 to 4 weeks with relapse on discontinuation.
The addition of Trailokya Vijaya Vati along with the previous treatment plan helped in achieving miraculous results by the initiation of recovery in just 4 days. It also provided relief in abdominal pain and frequency of motions. By the end of the 10th day, the consistency of stool became firm and solid. There was improvement in sleep leading to enhanced quality of life.
Results
It was expected that the patient would get relieved within 2 to 4 weeks and the pain would also subside along with the reduced frequency of stool. On the follow-up after a week, the patient seemed to be satisfied with the treatment. The positive outcomes begin to show up from the 4th day itself as the treatment proceeded.
Trailokya Vijaya Vati in a dosage of 1 BD was an addition to the previous treatment plan. It was amazing to see how this one medicine increased the efficacy of others.
The patient was also happy because he no longer needed to bear the cramps and relieve himself after every meal. He has mentioned that there is substantial improvement in his sleep as well. The treatment has helped in the overall improvement of quality of his life.
Discussion
The treatment was decided as per the Doshik dominance. The patient exhibited signs of Vata and Pitta dushti. Trailokya Vijaya Vati being anti-inflammatory and Vata-Pitta Shamak in nature was added to the previous treatment regime. It effectively mitigated the symptoms quickly whilst boosting the efficacy of co-drugs used for the treatment.
Conclusion
This case study is an apt illustration of how IBDs like Crohn’s Disease can be successfully managed with the inclusion of a simple formulation like Trailokya Vijaya Vati along with the basic treatment. However, we need more evidence promoting the efficacy of Cannabis and its formulations. Evidence is also needed to ensure the management of alike conditions in different patients suffering from Irritable Bowel Diseases.
