Role of Ayurvedic Interventions in Alcohol De-addiction – A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses-based Systematic Review

Export Objective: To unveil the potential of Ayurveda in alcohol de-addiction by exploring its Pharmacological and non-Pharmacological de-addiction strategies to recommend the possible guidelines for a rational de-addiction protocol. Data Source: Articles published only in English and available on databases like PubMed, MEDLINE, AYUSH research portal, Digital Helpline for Ayurveda Research Articles, World Health Organization, Goggle Scholar from 2014- 2024 were included. Review Methods: Open access Ayurvedic research studies on alcohol addiction were included. In exclusion criteria, the studies which were not completely accessible, non-Ayurvedic research studies on de-addiction and Ayurvedic management for addictions other than alcohol. Results and Conclusion: Total 212 studies were accessed, out of which 154 were excluded. Total 58 studies were included, out of which, 18 were observational studies and 40 were interventional studies. In interventional studies, 13 clinical trials, 5 experimental studies and 22 case reports and case series were soughed out. Step by step management with gradual withdrawal of alcohol by Padanshika Krama Chikitsa, Shodhana Chikitsa by Panchakarma procedures and Shaman Chikitsa with Ayurvedic herbs and formulations including the consideration of Pathya and Apathya has been advocated to minimize or allay withdrawal symptoms. Achara Rasayana, Sadvritta, Satvajaya Chikitsa and Astanga Yoga constitute the main non-Pharmacological management. Holistic approach constituted of Shodhana Chikitsa by modalities of Panchakarma and Shamana Chikitsa along with Yoga to improve mental faculties improves overall health status. There is a need to plan strategies and develop standard Ayurvedic alcohol de-addiction protocol based on clinical experiences and valid researches.