Unveiling treasures in Ashtavaidya tradition: Patola Kera Ghrutham; A therapeutic review in the purview of Pediatric skin diseases

Abstract

Kerala Ayurveda is renowned for its Ashtavaidya tradition, which represents a continuous, clinical and textually grounded medical lineage. The Ashtavaidya tradition of Kerala Ayurveda has preserved numerous Anubhoota Yogas developed through sustained clinical experience and classical wisdom. Patola Kera Ghrutham is one such formulation, derived from the classical Patoladi gana described in Ashtangahridaya and widely used in the management of dermatological disorders, particularly in children. This review critically analyzes Patola Kera Ghrutham with respect to its textual basis, pharmacological attributes of individual ingredients, method of preparation, and observed clinical utility in various conditions, with special emphasis on pediatric and sensitive skin disorders. The formulation comprises Patola, Katurohini, Chandana, Madhusrava, Guduchi, and Patha processed in coconut milk. This combination with a coconut based lipid medium enhances palatability, patient compliance, skin nourishment, and therapeutic applicability, especially in pediatric patients. The ingredients possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and wound-healing properties. Traditional clinical experience indicates its utility in kapha-pittaja skin disorders, pediatric dermatoses, pruritic conditions, toxicological manifestations, and inflammatory skin diseases. Patola Kera Ghrutham represents a valuable Anubhoota Yoga of the Ashtavaidya tradition with promising applications in dermatological practice. Further clinical studies are warranted to establish its safety and efficacy.