Efficacy of Swarna-prash in combating perinatal oxidative stress and its compatibility in newborns

Abstract

All neonates are exposed to a variable degree of oxidative stress that may result in cellular, tissue, or organ damage due to a low-efficient antioxidant system. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of licked Swarna-prash, comprising 15 mg Swarna-bhasma (incinerated gold particles) mixed with 1 mL honey and 0.5 mL Ghrita (butter oil), given in perinatal oxidative stress. A randomized case-control study ensued after the microanalysis of InAuPs (Incinerated Aurum Particles) and Swarna-prash. Ninety newborns were registered, considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and divided into three groups.

The single dose of Swarna-prash was given once a day in Group A and thrice a day in Group B. Due to ethical issues, nothing was given except mother milk in Group - C (control group). Venous blood samples were collected from the umbilical cord after birth and 48 h for complete blood counts (CBC), Liver function test (LFT), Renal function tests (RFT), and antioxidant enzymes.

The Swarna-bhasma consisted of crystallite-size InAuPs ranging from 30.86 to 114.02 nm. The intergroup analysis of CBC, LFT, RFT, SOD, GSH, and catalase values shows in significant (p>0.05) variation except for the serum bilirubin and SOD in group-B v/s C, offers significant mean values (p<0.05). Finally, it can be inferred that Swarna-prash opposes neonatal perinatal oxidative stress, seems nontoxic, reduces the incidence of physiological jaundice, and is bio-compatible.