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  3. A PILOT STUDY ON THE INFLUENCE OF NAVRATRI UPVASA AND VIRECHANA ON OXIDATIVE STRESS AND RELATED BIOMARKERS
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Dr Manjusha Sonpipare1, Dr Pradnya Dandekar2

A PILOT STUDY ON THE INFLUENCE OF NAVRATRI UPVASA AND VIRECHANA ON OXIDATIVE STRESS AND RELATED BIOMARKERS

Introduction Oxidative stress plays a significant role in various diseases, and traditional Ayurvedic treatments like Navratri Upvasa (Shamana) and Virechana (Shodhana) are believed to influence oxidative stress levels. This pilot study aimed to assess the effects of these Ayurvedic therapies on oxidative stress biomarkers during Sharad Rutu. Methods: Thirty healthy volunteers aged 20–40 years were randomly assigned to three groups: Group A (Navratri Upvasa), Group B (Virechana), and Group C (control group). The study evaluated Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) as biomarkers for oxidative stress, along with Stress Index and Protective Index. Pre- and post-treatment measurements were taken, and statistical analysis was performed to compare the groups. Results:The analysis of SOD and MDA levels showed no significant differences among the three groups. The SOD levels for the Navratri Upvasa group were 1.4722 ± 0.4752, Virechana group 1.3359 ± 0.4824, and control group 1.6548 ± 0.4287 (F = 1.1953, p = 0.3181). Similarly, MDA levels showed no significant differences (F = 0.4775, p = 0.6254). The Stress Index and Protective Index also did not show significant changes across the groups.Discussion:The findings suggest that there was no statistically significant effect of Navratri Upvasa or Virechana on oxidative stress or related biomarkers during the study period.Conclusion:The pilot study found no significant changes in oxidative stress markers following Navratri Upvasa or Virechana therapies. Further research with larger sample sizes and extended treatment durations is necessary to conclusively determine their effectiveness.