Clinical Efficacy of Guduchi Churna and Vatahara Diet as an Adjunct to Physiotherapy in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Cerebral palsy, Guduchi Churna, Herbal intervention, Tinospora cordifolia, Vatahara diet, physiotherapy.
AuthorsAbstractIntroduction: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition resulting from a non-progressive disturbance of the developing brain and is characterized by persistent limitations in movement, posture, and activity. Current management of cerebral palsy is multidisciplinary and primarily focused on improving functional ability, independence, and quality of life rather than reversing the underlying brain injury. Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, nutritional support, and appropriate pharmacological or surgical interventions are employed according to the child’s individual needs. However, associated nutritional and functional limitations may affect rehabilitation outcomes. Ayurveda considers several manifestations of CP within a Vatapredominant neurological framework and emphasizes Vata-pacifying, nourishing, and Rasayana measures (rejuvenating). The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of a combination of Guduchi Churna (Tinospora cordifolia), Vatahara diet (nourishing diet mentioned in Ayurveda), and physiotherapy in pediatric cerebral palsy. Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in children aged 2–10 years diagnosed with CP. Forty-five children were screened, 37 were enrolled, and 29 completed the study. Participants were allocated into two groups. Group A received Guduchi Churna, a structured Vatahara diet, and physiotherapy twice weekly, whereas Group B received physiotherapy twice weekly alone. The intervention was continued for 90 days, with assessments conducted at baseline and follow-up 30th 60th and 90th day. Outcome measures included appetite, sleep, bowel and urinary patterns, deep tendon reflexes, Medical Research Council (MRC) muscle-power grades, and graded gross- and fine-motor milestones. Within-group changes were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, while between-group comparisons were performed using the Mann–Whitney U test. Results: Group A demonstrated significant improvement in appetite (median 8 to 10; p=0.001), right upper-limb power (3 to 4; p=0.021), left upper-limb power (3 to 4; p=0.002), right lower-limb power (3 to 4; p=0.003), left lower-limb power (3 to 4; p=0.003), and standing ability (2 to 4; p=0.005). Group B showed significant improvement in appetite (8 to 9; p=0.014), left lower-limb power (3 to 4; p=0.046), and standing ability (2 to 3; p=0.046). However, between-group comparisons for appetite, limb muscle power, and standing ability were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Sleep, bowel and urinary patterns, most reflex measures, and fine-motor parameters remained largely unchanged. No adverse effects were reported. Disscussion: The combination of Guduchi Churna, Vatahara diet, and physiotherapy was associated with significant improvements in appetite, muscle power, and standing ability within the intervention group. However, the absence of significant between-group differences limits the ability to establish superiority over physiotherapy alone. Further adequately powered clinical studies are warranted to determine the efficacy of this combined approach in pediatric cerebral palsy.
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