Effects of a composite Indian herbal preparation on combat effectiveness in low-intensity-conflict operations

The efficacy of a composite Indian herbal preparation (CIHP) in sustaining the mental performance of soldiers engaged in prolonged low-intensity-confl ict operations has been evaluated. For this purpose, a cohort of 56 soldier s acted as volunteers in combat situations. After recording their initial r esponses to psychological tests such as the d2 test, the trail-making test, the serial addition test, the short-term memory test, and the Institute fo r Personality and Ability Testing Anxiety Scale, they were randomly given e ither CMP or placebo in a double-blind fashion for 8 days while they perfor med their usual combat duties. The final 3 days of assignments included phy sically exhausting and life-threatening events. On day 8, they were withdra wn from combat duties and the psychological tests were readministered immed iately. After 7 days of rest, the tests were repeated once again. The resul ts indicate comparatively better performance immediately after the mission by the CIHP group. CIHP was effective at sustaining the mental abilities of soldiers in a low-intensity-conflict environment.