Vilwapanchanga Ghrita in the Management of Pediatric Intractable Epilepsy: A Preliminary Clinical Study

Abstract

Background: Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) in children remains a major clinical challenge, with limited efficacy of current pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. In Ayurveda, Apasmara is described as a condition analogous to epilepsy, with classical texts recommending Vilwapanchanga Ghrita as a key therapeutic formulation.

Materials and Methods: An open-label clinical study was conducted in 10 pediatric patients (2–12 years) diagnosed with intractable epilepsy. Vilwapanchanga Ghrita, prepared as per Arogyakalpadruma, was administered for two months, with a subsequent two-month follow-up. Outcome measures included seizure severity (Hague Seizure Severity Scale), frequency of impairment of consciousness, frequency of jerks or cramps, seizure duration, and safety profile. Statistical analyses were performed using paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results: A significant reduction in seizure severity was observed, with mean scores decreasing from 43.0 ± 2.58 at baseline to 32.5 ± 1.84 post-treatment (p<0.001), and sustained during follow-up. Frequency of impairment of consciousness and jerks/cramps also improved significantly (p < 0.01). Median seizure duration reduced from 300 seconds (IQR 226.25–510.00) at baseline to 120 seconds post-treatment, and further to 47.5 seconds at follow-up (p=0.005). No adverse effects were reported; instead, caregivers noted improvements in digestion and reduction in recurrent respiratory infections.

Conclusion: Vilwapanchanga Ghrita demonstrated significant and sustained efficacy in reducing seizure severity, frequency, and duration in pediatric intractable epilepsy, with an excellent safety profile. These findings provide preliminary clinical validation for its classical use in Apasmara management and suggest potential as an adjunctive therapy. Larger randomized controlled trials are warranted.