Effect of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga on oxidative stress and antioxidant status in leprosy patients before and after intervention

Introduction: Leprosy was eliminated from India in 2005. WHO reported that India accounts for 60% of the world’s newly detected leprosy cases in 2016. In the post leprosy –elimination era, leprosy recognition and management is a challenging task. Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) is unique breathing process which includes Asanas, Pranayama, Bhastrika and Sudarshan Kriya (SK). SKY may be helps in decreasing decreases lipid per oxidation and improves antioxidant status in the blood.

Aim: The aim of this was to evaluate the effects of SKY intervention on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant vitamins and Zinc levels in leprosy patients.

Materials and Methods: Serum of leprosy patients was evaluated for Lipid per oxidation markers i.e. Malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant Vitamins(C and E) and Zinc were measured spectrophotometrically (Elico). A total of 152 patients of leprosy were randomised into two groups: 1. Leprosy patients (post treatment) 2. Leprosy patients (post treatment) performing SKY and monitored for regular practice. Interventional group underwent for SKY for a period of 3 months. The Malondialdehyde, antioxidant vitamins (C and E) and zinc levels were assessed at baseline and after 3 months in both the groups.

Results: Results showed that serum MDA, the marker of oxidative stress was significantly reduced, and on the other hand antioxidant vitamins (C and E) and zinc levels showed significant rise in the post interventional group as compared with the control without SKY.

Conclusion: This indicates a possible beneficial role of SKY in enhancing the body’s defense mechanisms by decreasing the oxidative damage in leprosy patients.