Comparative Clinical Assessment of Yastimadhu Rasayana and Ashwagandha Rasayana in Young Adults with Easy Mental Fatigability: A Research Protocol

Introduction: In Ayurveda, the term “Gla¯ ni” refers to lassitude or exhaustion, including mental dejection, mental tiredness, languor, and overall fatigue and is indicative of various disorders. Mental fatigue is a growing concern in both clinical and occupational settings, often manifesting as reduced concentration, impaired cognitive performance, and diminished overall productivity. Traditional medicine has long sought remedies to counteract such fatigue, with several Rasayana (rejuvenative) formulations being highlighted for their neurocognitive benefits Need of the study: Ashwagandha is well-known for its adaptogenic properties, particularly in reducing stress and mental exhaustion. Its role in alleviating fatigue highlights the potential of other Rasayana agents. Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), a Medhya-rasayana, is recognised in Ayurvedic pharmacology for enhancing mental clarity, energy, and cognitive resilience. While classical texts, such as those by Acharya Bhavprakash, discuss its benefits for mental fatigue, Yastimadhu remains underexplored in modern research. This study focuses on Yastimadhu churna as a potential treatment for mental fatigue, aiming to connect traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with contemporary scientific validation, thus supporting the integration of traditional medicine into modern clinical practice. Aim: To evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of Yastimadhu Rasayana versus Ashwagandha Rasayana in young adults exhibiting symptoms of easy mental fatigability. Materials and Methods: The present randomised, singleblind, two-arm, parallel-group, controlled trial will be conducted at the at Mahatma Gandhi Ayurveda College, Hospital, and Research Centre (H), Wardha, Maharashtra, from February 2025 to February 2026. The trial will involve two months of treatment administration followed by a four-week followup period. A total of 100 individuals who meet the specified inclusion and exclusion criteria will be recruited. At baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention, mental fatigability will be assessed using the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS), according to Ayurveda’s classic symptoms of Gla¯ni and Buddhi, as well as the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT-10). The Wilcoxon signedrank test will be used for non-normally distributed data, while paired t-tests will be applied to normally distributed groups. Independent group-based t-tests will compare continuous normally distributed variables, and Mann-Whitney tests will be used for non-normal data. A significance level of p<0.05 will be applied.