Year: 2026 | Month: October-December | Volume: 11 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 105-112
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/gijhsr.20260412
Effectiveness of Ayurvedic Interventions in the Management of Vibandha (Constipation): A Protocol for Systematic review and Meta-analysis
Dr. Vilas Gangurde1, Dr. Santosh Mane2, Dr. Laxman Bhurke3, Dr. Sumed Paikrao4
1Research Officer (Ay.), CCRAS – Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Nagpur (M.S.)
2Research Officer (Ay.), CCRAS - National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage Hyderabad (Telangana)
3Research Officer (Ay.), Raja Ramdeo Anandilal Podar Ayurveda Cancer Research Institute, Mumbai
4Research Officer (Ay.), CCRAS – Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Nagpur (M.S.)
Corresponding Author: Dr. Vilas Gangurde
ABSTRACT
Constipation ranks among the most prevalent gastrointestinal ailments globally and poses a considerable public health issue. It impacts persons across all age demographics, with increased incidence observed in women, the elderly, and those leading inactive lives. Constipation closely corresponds to the Ayurvedic concept of Vibandha (or Malavashtambha or Malavarodha or Baddhakoshta), primarily resulting from the vitiation of Apana Vata and impaired Agni. The National Ayush Morbidity Code (NAC / NAMC) for Vibandha (Constipation) is AAC-12.4 in the Ayush Health Management Information System (A-HMIS) and the NAMASTE Portal
Study registration: PROSPERO 2026 - CRD420261457072
Materials and Methods: This systematic review and meta‑analysis will evaluate the effectiveness of Ayurvedic interventions in the management of Vibandha (constipation), following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Relevant studies will be identified through structured electronic searches, with eligibility framed using the PICO approach. Data extraction will be standardized and performed independently by two reviewers, with discrepancies resolved by consensus. Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2) for RCTs and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklists were used to evaluate case reports and case series along with Certainty of evidence graded using a modified GRADE framework. Subgroup and stratified analyses will be applied to address heterogeneity, with meta‑analysis conducted only when sufficient homogeneity exists; otherwise, findings will be synthesized qualitatively. Safety outcomes and adverse events will be systematically recorded. The review aims to establish the current evidence base for Ayurvedic interventions, providing rigorous insights to guide clinical practice, inform policy, and support their integration into mainstream treatment and prevention strategies for constipation.
Keywords: Constipation, Vibandha, Rome criteria, Ayurvedic interventions, Digestive system, Malavashtambha, Malavarodha, Systematic Review, AYUSH research portal, Shaman Chikitsa, Shodhana Chikitsa, Panchakarma therapy, Virechan, Gudavarti, Basti.