Effect of Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu (PTK-G) on Hematological and Biochemical parameters after long term use in Eczematized patients of Bangladesh

Abstract

Ayurveda is one the oldest healing system in the world originated in India and is also native to Bangladesh, and more than 500 compound formulations are available commercially in Bangladesh. Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu (PTK-G) is one of the leading products in Bangladesh used for skin disease as well as many other ailments though the safety data are lacking due to a few studies on it, especially in Bangladesh. The aim of the study was to find out the effect of PTK-G on hematological and biochemical parameters after long-term use of the drug in eczematized patients of Bangladesh. A quantitative experimental Pre-test and a post-test study were designed and carried out among 20 patients aged between 12 years to 60 years. Patients were selected by the quasi-random sampling method.  PTK-G is manufactured as per Bangladesh National Ayurvedic Formulary. Each patent was administered a 500 mg capsule orally three times a day after a meal for 6 weeks without taking any other drug concomitantly. The Pre and Post treatment blood samples were collected to investigate the CBC, Total Protein, S. albumin, S. globulin, Albumin-Globulin ratio, Liver function test, and Kidney function test as hematological and biochemical parameters. In this study, there was a decrease in hemoglobin level, and a total count of WBC, and ESR which were not statistically significant. A noticeable decrease in ESR (44.12%, p=0.096) content was noted. The eosinophil count decreased very significantly (p-0.015). Other biochemical tests especially Kidney function, liver function, and total proteins were within normal limits after long-term administration of PTK-G. All the effects of PTK-G were not clearly visible, because of the unavailability of the necessary facilities to run such a large number of experiments. The actual causes of the above-mentioned effects were not clear at present, and need further extensive studies to draw a better conclusion in the future.  But we may summarize that PTK-G is safe to use within recommended therapeutic dose and able to improve eczema.