Mind relaxation effect of Jatamansi Taila Shirodhara on psychological distress in Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) patients - results of an open-labelled, randomised controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Background

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer clinically defined as lacking expression of Estrogen receptor (ER), Progesterone receptor (PR), and Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor (HER2). Psychological distress is a major risk factor of TNBC, patients diagnosed with TNBC are under tremendous stress due to the aggressive nature of the disease. Stress hormones decrease the efficacy of therapeutics. These facts underscore the need for mind relaxation treatment for TNBC patients.

Objectives

To find out the anti-anxiety activity of the Jatamansi Taila in TNBC patients.

Material and methods

This was a two-arm, open-labelled, parallel, prospective controlled clinical study, conducted on 70 patients of TNBC in the age group of 20–70 years who have completed conventional therapy and opted for Ayurvedic Treatment. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Thirty-five patients in Group A were treated with Oral Ayurvedic Medicines (Shamana Chikitsa) and Jatamansi Taila Shirodhara; whereas 35 patients in Group B were treated with only Oral Ayurvedic Medicines.

Results

Jatamansi Taila Shirodhara was found to be effective in relieving symptoms of Anxiety and Psychological distress (Chittodvega) immediately after the procedure, viz. sleep disturbance, difficulty in concentration, and fearfulness. Jatamansi Taila Shirodhara was found to be highly effective in improving Quality of Life (QoL), especially in improving functional ability, well-being and reducing symptomatology related to breast cancer, measured by scores of QLQ C30 and symptom score of QLQ BR23.

Conclusion

This study emphasizes the role of Jatamansi Taila Shirodhara therapy for mind and body relaxation in psychological distress seen in breast cancer especially, in TNBC patients.