Evaluation of the physiological and pathological status of Stanya (Breast milk) based on the Ayurveda principles and Physico-chemical analysis- A Cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: In Ayurveda, Stanya Dosha was described by almost all Acharya stating the Dushti of breast milk which is not accepted by modern sciences as they perceived that breast milk is exclusively advised to all neonates and there is no such description to examine the abnormality of breast milk. As Ayurveda literature is Shaswat (eternal) which gives us a reason for the need to provide evidence or scientific explanation to support our literature. To make the world aware of Stanya Dushti, scientific evidences must be provided for other scientific systems to embrace the notion. Aim: To assess the quality of Stanya by examining its features as told in Ayurveda literature and its physicochemical properties. Objectives: To establish assessment criteria to assess Stanya Dushti through basic sciences. To assess the Stanya by observing the organoleptic property. Experiment with its physicochemical properties of protein estimation, viscosity, pH, value, and density. To assess the Dosha of breast milk by Jala pariksha(Dispersion method). Materials and methods: Observational study on breast milk of 60 lactating mothers collected from mothers coming for vaccination & OPD of MGACH&RC, PHC Salod, Wardha. Observation: 38.3% were Shuddha and 61.7% were Ashuddha with 11.7%Vatapitta, 25% Kaphapitta, 11.7%Vata, 5% Pitta,and 8.3% Kaphadominance. Mean values of pH, viscosity, density, and protein were found as 6.91, 1.64 cP, 1.02 gm/cc, and 1.72% respectively. Result: The breast milk of Shuddha stanya part was 38.3% and that of Dushti was 61%. The dominance of Dosha shows highly significance with Prakriti. The infants with Stanya Dushti show significant risks of developing clinical symptoms of GIT and the respiratory system.