A Comparative Clinical Study to Assess the Efficacy of Shatavari Ksheerapaka Parisheka & CMC Eye Drop in the Management of Shushkakshipak w.s.r. to Dry Eye Disease

Introduction: Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a multifactorial disorder of the ocular surface characterized by tear film instability, ocular discomfort and visual disturbance. In Ayurveda, a comparable condition known as Shushkakshipaka, described under Sarvagata Netra Rogas, presents with symptoms such as dryness, burning sensation, pricking pain and irritation. Conventional management with artificial tear substitutes provides temporary symptomatic relief and may cause recurrence after discontinuation. Hence, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of Shatavari Ksheerapaka Parisheka, an Ayurvedic Kriyakalpa procedure, in comparison with Carboxy Methylcellulose (CMC) eye drops in the management of Shushkakshipaka. Methods: A comparative clinical study was conducted on 60 patients diagnosed with Shushkakshipaka (Dry Eye Disease), randomly divided into two groups of 30 patients each. Group A received Shatavari Ksheerapaka Parisheka once daily (7 days cycle & 3 days gap in each cycle- total 3 cycles), while Group B received CMC 0.5% eye drops three times daily for 30 days. Assessment was done using subjective parameters (dryness, burning sensation, pricking pain) and objective evaluation through Schirmer’s test on Day 1, 7, 17 and 30. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate non-parametric tests. Results: Both groups showed statistically significant improvement in symptoms (p < 0.001). The trial group demonstrated earlier and superior relief in burning sensation and pricking pain with significant intergroup difference (p < 0.05). Schirmer’s test showed significant improvement in both groups; however, tear secretion was significantly higher in the Shatavari group at Day 30 (p = 0.002). Complete relief was observed in 73.33% of patients in the trial group compared to 50% in the control group, indicating superior overall efficacy of Shatavari Ksheerapaka Parisheka. Discussion: Shatavari, possessing Madhura–Tikta rasa, Sheeta Virya and Snigdha guna, acts as a Vata–Pitta shamaka and exhibits Netrya and Rasayana properties. Ksheerapaka form enhances nourishment and ocular lubrication, leading to sustained improvement in tear film stability. Compared to CMC, which offers only temporary symptomatic relief, Shatavari Ksheerapaka provided longer-lasting therapeutic benefits. Conclusion: Shatavari Ksheerapaka Parisheka is a safe, effective and holistic Ayurvedic intervention in the management of Shushkakshipaka (Dry Eye Disease), showing superior clinical and objective outcomes compared to CMC eye drops. Larger studies with extended follow-up are recommended to validate its long-term efficacy.