ROLE OF BALPUSHTIKARA YOG IN THE MANAGEMENT OF UNDERNUTRITION IN CHILDREN: EVIDENCE FROM AYURVEDA

Introduction: Long life, good health, and healthy development are all dependent on proper nutrition. Well-fed children do better in school, develop into healthy adults, and offer their children a better start in life. Undernutrition, on the other hand, remains a major issue, particularly among children who are deprived of adequate food in developing countries. Childhood undernutrition is an underlying cause of an estimated 35% of all deaths among children under five and 21% of total global disability-adjusted life years lost among less than 5 children. Pathological alterations in the body arise as a result of various diseases or excessive indulgence in factors leading to emaciation, resulting in the emergence of undernutrition. In such cases, Deepana–Pachana (appetizer and digestive) Brimhana (Increasing muscle bulk), and Rasayana (Rejuvenizing) therapy is needed. Methods: This review is conducted using a complete and organized search of the available literatures in Ayurveda texts and published articles. The searches were performed using various databases, including PubMed, Scopus, MedLine, Google Scholar, and others. The keywords used for the search included Undernutrition, Deepana, Pachana, Brimhana, Balpushtikara yog. Result: Ayurveda drugs described for management of Karshya and Balshosha are completely formulated to meet all the deficiencies and cure the same. Balpushti karayog is an Ayurveda drug indicated as karshyaroghara for the management of emaciation (undernutrion). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the drug Balpushtikara yog in children. Conclusion: Balpushti karayog is a complete formulation to meet all the deficiencies of undernutrition.