A CLINICAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF TUKHM-I KAHU IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ZAGHT AL-DAM QAWĪLĀZIMĪ (ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION)

Aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of Tukhm-ikahu in Zaght al-Dam Qawī Lāzimī (Essential Hypertension) in comparison to Amlodipine (5 mg) tablet. Randomized, standard controlled clinical study was carried out. Patients of high blood pressure (n = 60) with age 35 to 55 years, with Stage-I Hypertension according to JNC 7 (Systolic BP 140-159 and Diastolic BP 90-99 mmHg) were randomized into study; tukhm-ikahu and control; amlodipine (5 mg) groups by block randomization method. Patients with SBP ≥ 160 mmHg and DBP ≥ 100 mmHg, Secondary Hypertension, Pregnant and Lactating women, Obese subjects – BMI > 30, Drug Addicts and Alcoholics were excluded from the study. Study group patients were given 5 gm of powder of tukhm-ikahu twice daily and those of control group Amlodipine 5 mg once daily. Duration of treatment was 6 weeks. Significant difference between Tukhm-ikahu and amlodipine was observed regarding improvement in headache (86.7% vs. 60%), Pvalue 0.039, vertigo (93.3% vs. 66.7%), Pvalue 0.021 and sleeplessness (96.67% vs. 73.3%), Pvalue 0.010. No significant difference was observed between the two regarding reduction in systolic and diastolic pressure at end point of study (Pvalue 0.675 and 0.552 respectively). No significant difference between the two was recorded regarding palpitation, laziness, anxiety, breathlessness, pulse rate, respiratory rate and temperature; P-value 0.080, 0.299, 0.748, 0.960, 0.858, 0.858 and 0.233 respectively. Tukhm-ikahu possesses efficiency and potency towards treating the high blood pressure and managing the symptoms linked with it.