THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY OF MRUDVIKA (VITIS VINIFERA LINN.) IN MALAVIBANDHA: A SINGLE CASE STUDY

Background: Malavibandha (constipation) is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints seen in day-to-day practice and is largely a result of poor dietary habits, physical inactivity and disturbed sleep. In Ayurveda, Mrudvika (Vitis vinifera Linn.) is described as a sara and anulomaka dravya that helps in easy evacuation of stool. Aim: To study the therapeutic effect of Mrudvika (Vitis vinifera Linn.) in a patient of Malavibandha. Case Presentation: A 30-year-old male presented with reduced frequency of defecation, hard stool and intermittent straining for 25 days. He was treated with 10 gm of Mrudvika (Vitis vinifera Linn.) soaked overnight in 200 ml water and consumed on an empty stomach in Pragbhakta kala (before the morning meal), once daily for 30 days. Assessment was carried out before treatment, on the 16th day (follow up) and on the 31st day (after treatment) using frequency grading, the Bristol Stool Form Scale and a pain-during-defecation grading scale.