Efficacy of Herbal Formulation against Round Worm Hook Worm and Pin Worm and Its Effect on the Haemoglobin Level in Children Age Group 8 to 14 Years

Abstract

The Siddha herbal formulation, Vaivilangam chooranam (VVC) produced no toxic effects as per observations in acute and subacute toxicity study in animal models. AIM OF THE STUDY: 1. To standardize Vaivilangam chooranam as per the Protocol for testing of Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani Medicines published by the Pharmacopoeial Laboratory for Indian Medicines (PLIM), Ghaziabad and Bureau of Indian standards. 2. To assess the clinical efficacy of the Vaivilangam chooranam for anthelmintic action in school children by the guidelines given by WHO and AYUSH for herbal and herbo-mineral drugs. OBJECTIVES: 1. Identification and authentication of ingredients of the Siddha formulation. 2. Physio-chemical evaluation of the formulation. 3. Test for heavy metals, microbial contamination, specific pathogens, pesticide residue and aflatoxins. 4. Finger printing of the study drug by TLC methods. Further, the medicine was found to be safe in healthy adult volunteers and proceeded for clinical evaluation among children with appropriately modified dose levels. Reduction in percentage of children with worm infestation, reduction in the severity of clinical symptoms and increase in Hemoglobin levels clearly indicate that the herbal formulation Vaivilangam Chooranam is therapeutically efficacious against intestinal worm infestations among children of age 8-14 years. As mentioned in the justification, the trial drug was found to be very effective both in eliminating worms and improving the digestion and general well being of the study participants. This is one of the unique aspects of Siddha medicines, which not only removes the disease by rooting out the basic cause of the disease but also contributes to the wellness of the patients by improving the quality of life. This study may be considered highly significant in the sense that this trial drug can be taken for further studies and developed into a standard formulation to be used both for clinical and public health purposes for eradication of worm infestation which is still a menacing issue in the our country.