IMPACT OF ANXIETY (UDVEGA) AND DEPRESSION (VISAD) IN PATIENTS WITH IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (VATAJA GRAHANI) AND ITS MANAGEMENT BY ARGYREIA SPECIOSA

Dr. Mithun Mahata, Dr. Partha Biswas

Background: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder frequently associated with psychological disturbances such as anxiety and depression. In Ayurveda, IBS resembles Vataja Grahaṇi, wherein impaired Agni and Vata vitiation are influenced by mental factors such as Udvega and Visada. Argyreia speciosa is traditionally used for digestive and neuropsychological balance. Aim: To evaluate the impact of anxiety and depression in patients with IBS (Vataja Grahaṇi) and to assess the clinical efficacy of Argyreia speciosa in its management. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-arm study was conducted on 114 IBS patients with mild to moderate anxiety and depression. Participants were randomly assigned to Group A (Argyreia speciosa, n=57) or Group B (placebo, n=57) for 12 weeks. Assessments included IBS-SSS, Bristol Stool Scale, HAM-A, HAM-D, HADS, and DASS-21. Statistical analysis used paired and independent t-tests. Results: Group A showed significant reductions in IBS-SSS scores (p<0.05), HAM-A (p<0.001), HAM-D (p<0.001), HADS (p<0.001), and DASS-21 (p<0.001). The placebo group showed no significant improvement. The intervention was well tolerated with no major adverse events. Conclusion: Argyreia speciosa significantly improves gastrointestinal symptoms and reduces comorbid anxiety and depression in IBS (Vataja Grahaṇi). Its dual action on digestive and psychological domains supports its role as an effective Ayurvedic psycho-gastroenterological therapy.