Kerala Journal of Ayurveda

Exploring Ayurvedic strategies- An in-depth examination of neurodegenerative diseases.

2025-01-06T09:17:12-07:00

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, represent a class of progressive disorders marked by the gradual decline of neuronal integrity and function, ultimately leading to cognitive and physical impairments. Conventional research has revealed critical molecular mechanisms driving these diseases, such as oxidative stress, protein misfolding and aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chronic neuroinflammation. Despite advances in understanding these pathways, treatment remains largely symptomatic, focusing on delaying progression rather than addressing the underlying causes.

Ayurveda offers a unique perspective on neurodegenerative disease progression. It recognizes the early, subtle disruptions in the body’s internal balance, or dosha imbalance, which, if unaddressed, manifest as more pronounced systemic effects over time. Ayurvedic therapies aim to restore this balance, support cognitive function, and promote resilience through neuroprotective herbs, dietary modifications, and Rasayana (rejuvenation therapies). These practices are thought to address disease both at the root level and across the body's systems, aligning with modern scientific findings on neuroprotection.

This article explores how Ayurvedic principles complement contemporary neuroprotective strategies by addressing early-stage molecular imbalances and providing a framework for preventive care. By focusing on maintaining ojas (vital essence) and balancing doshas, Ayurveda may offer an integrative model for managing neurodegeneration that supports not only symptomatic relief but also long-term resilience in neuronal health.

An Ayurveda biology approach on the pathogenesis and management of varicose vein

2025-02-02T09:34:04-07:00

Varicose veins are dilated, twisted veins that usually develop on the legs and feet, affecting both superficial and deep veins. They are commonly seen in adults and can be influenced by factors like aging, genetics, pregnancy, constipation, obesity, and lifestyle. Common symptoms include a feeling of heaviness in the lower limbs, muscle cramps, itching around the swollen veins, and pain either throughout the leg or in the lower portion. While varicose veins are not life-threatening, they can significantly impact daily activities, and the condition tends to worsen over time. Although the exact cause of varicose veins is not fully understood, it is believed to involve factors such as increased pressure in the veins, weakened vascular walls, faulty valves, and genetic predisposition. The symptoms of varicose veins are similar to those of Siragranthi, a condition described in Ayurvedic texts. While modern treatments mainly focus on managing symptoms, Ayurveda offers a comprehensive approach, including conservative methods and para-surgical procedures. Para-surgical treatments typically involve Rakthamoksha techniques like Jaloukavacharana (leech therapy) and Siravedha (venesection). This review aims to explore and discuss various aspects of varicose veins and their Ayurvedic management. Though not life-threatening, varicose veins can disrupt daily life, and the condition worsens over time, making it important to conduct a review on this topic.

Cosmetology And Ayurveda – A Review Based Upon the Scope and Utility

2025-03-12T02:08:32-06:00

Cosmetology blends art and medical science to enhance aesthetic appeal, helping individuals achieve attractive features that foster psychological comfort and self-confidence. Today, the pursuit of flawless skin has become an obsession, prompting many to experiment with various cosmetic products. Unfortunately, numerous products in this category contain harmful ingredients that may result in health problems. In contrast, Ayurveda offers a holistic approach enriched with natural herbs that detoxify the body from within. This ancient system nurtures the body, mind, and soul, making it increasingly popular in cosmetology for its unique perspective on beauty and its effective safe beauty treatments. Moreover, skin health is closely linked to mental well-being, with stress being a significant factor affecting skin condition. Ayurveda emphasizes reducing stress through practices like yoga and pranayama. Additionally, following Rithucharya, Dinacharya, and pathya Ahara Vihara promotes healthy metabolism, contributing to overall skin health. Ayurvedic texts mention various drug groups, such as Varnya, Kustaghna, Vayasthapak mahakashayas, eladi gana, etc along with medicinal plants like Haridra, Manjistha, Chandana, Amalaki, Bhringaraj, etc which are recommended for enhancing skin and hair health and combating aging. Furthermore, Ayurvedic cosmetology includes shodhana chikithsa (elimination therapy) to eliminate Ama and Bahu dosha and samana chikitsa to balance the tridoshas, agni (digestive fire), and proper nourishment of saptha dhathus.

Post electric shock neurological complication managed through Ayurveda -A case study

2025-03-02T08:36:36-07:00

Electrical injuries can have an impact on the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). CNS complications are well recognized, causing an increased risk of morbidity, while PNS complications are less predictable after electrical injuries. The clinical sequelae of an electrocution can appear immediately or hours, days or even years later. Neurologic sequelae include loss of consciousness, headache, memory disturbance, seizures, movement disorders, speech impediment and mutism, vertigo, cranial nerve dysfunction, meningitis, autonomic nervous system complications, and peripheral neuropathies. In this case report, a 43 year old female patient came to outpatient department of Govt.Ayurveda College Hospital, Thripunithura,Ernakulam,Kerala with complaints of slurring of speech and difficulty in understanding ,writing and reading., along with weakness, numbness and reduced sensation and power of left upper and lowerlimb following electric shock. She had also experienced auditory hallucinations and slight memory loss after the incident. The case was managed with internal medicines and external therapies as per Nanatmaja vatavikara ,Siromarmabhighata and Atithejasam daghdha chikitsa .After two months of ayurvedic management, there was considerable improvement in neurological symptoms. Impaired touch sensation, auditory hallucination and numbness of left upper and lower limb were completely cured. There was a one-grade improvement in muscle power and reflexes. Aphasia was reduced in severity from moderate language related disability to minor difficulties of language..Dementia was also reduced in grading from mild to questionable or very mild. No reversal of symptoms was reported even after one year of treatment. So, ayurvedic physicians can adopt treatment principles of Nanatmaja vatavikara, Siromarmabhighata and Atithejasam dagdha chikitsa in post electric shock neurological complication to get symptomatic relief thus to improve quality of life of affected persons.

Topical application of Gopyadi ghritha in diabetic ulcer-A case report

2025-03-18T23:45:16-06:00

Diabetic ulcers represent a prevalent complication associated with diabetes, typically manifesting on the dorsal surfaces of the toes and the plantar regions of the metatarsal heads and heels. While these ulcers are frequently observed on the feet, they can develop in various locations throughout the body. The etiology of diabetic ulcers is linked to factors such as inadequate blood circulation, elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia), nerve damage, and the presence of irritated or injured feet, which may ultimately necessitate lower limb amputation. Patients with diabetes often experience diminished microvascular circulation, hindering the ability of phagocytic cells to reach infected areas and facilitate healing. Consequently, infections in these individuals are notoriously difficult to treat. The occurrence of diabetic ulcers can be associated with pramehajanya dushtavrana. In the Susrutha Samhitha, Acharya Susrutha discusses Shashtirupakaramas for the management of vrana. Among these, Ghritha is utilized as a topical treatment to promote healing. Specifically, Gopyadi ghritha, referenced in Sahasrayogam within the ghrithaprakaranam, exhibits a ropana effect even in marmasthana prameha vrana and was employed in this case report. A 69-year-old female patient with a known diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus presented to the outpatient department of GAVC Tripunithura, reporting a non-healing ulcer measuring 4x2.5 cm at the base of the second and third right toes, along with a 1.2x0.5 cm ulcer on the anterolateral aspect of the right ankle joint, persisting for six months. The management involved the application of Gopyadi ghritha topically for 42 days, alongside internal medications aimed at controlling diabetes and infections. Remarkably, the ulcer completely healed within this timeframe, with no complications or recurrence noted even after one year. This case underscores the potential for managing diabetic foot ulcers (up to 10x10 cm in size) without infections through the application of Gopyadi ghritha, resulting in expedited and effective healing with minimal scarring within 42 days.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE FISSURE-IN-ANO- A CASE SERIES

2025-03-13T02:31:28-06:00

Fissure-in-ano is a tear in the longitudinal axis of the lower anal canal. It is a common distressing ano-rectal disorder, which mostly affecting the age group of 18 to 40. Acute anal fissure is a deep tear in the anal canal with excruciating pain, severe sphincter spasm with surrounding oedema. Bright streak of blood with the passage of stool and pain after defecation are the characteristic features. Intake of hot and spicy food items, junk food, daily intake of non-vegetarian food in increased quantity, skipping of food, irregular bowel habits, less intake of water, constipation, sleep deprivation, mental stress etc are the predisposing factors of this disease. Surgical management in fissure in-ano shows complications like persistent mucous discharge and faecal incontinence.

In Ayurveda, fissure-in-ano is correlated with parikartika, which having vata-pitta predominant clinical features. Its treatment principle is vatanulomana, agnivardhana, vata-pitta samana anna-pana-kriyas, vrana shodhana and ropana. In this case series, 18 to 20 years old 4 acute fissure-in-ano patients with severe pain, constipation, bleeding per rectum were selected. They were with common nidanas like intake of hot and spicy food items, junk food, daily intake of non-vegetarian food in increased quantity, skipping of food etc. On examination, linear ulcer on anal verge with slight bleeding, tenderness and sphincter spasm and diagnosed as acute fissure-in-ano. The selected patients were managed with nidana parivarjana, internal administration of gandharvahasthadi kashayam, brihat triphala choornam as laxative, triphala kashayam for sitz bath, anal dilatation and 10 ml instillation of haridradi ghritha. These patients got wound healing and complete relief from tenderness, pain, bleeding from fissure, sphincter spasm within 10 days. So, it can be concluded that, Ayurvedic management in acute fissure-in-ano is an effective and safe alternative method.

MANAGEMENT OF POOYALASA (ACUTE DACRYOCYSTITIS) - A CASE REPORT

2025-03-12T19:11:18-06:00

Dacryocystitis is an inflammatory condition of the lacrimal sac, often presenting with pain, swelling, and purulent discharge, primarily due to nasolacrimal duct obstruction. In Ayurveda, the condition is analogous to Pooyalasa, a chronic and recurrent pathology affecting the lacrimal apparatus. If untreated, it can lead to complications such as abscess formation, fistula, and systemic infections, emphasizing the need for timely and systematic management.

This case report discusses a 48-year-old male presenting with a 3-month history of epiphora and purulent discharge from the right eye, progressing to acute painful swelling and associated systemic symptoms. The case was diagnosed as Pooyalasa in the stage of lacrimal abscess formation, based on clinical signs and symptoms. Treatment involved a combination of internal Ayurvedic formulations such as Patoladi Kashaya, Kaisora Guggulu, and Panchatikta Kashaya for their anti-inflammatory, immune-modulatory, and wound-healing properties. External therapies included Triphala Kashaya Kshalana for cleansing and Karuthavattu Lepana for localized anti-inflammatory and decongestant effects.

The integrated Ayurvedic intervention led to complete resolution of symptoms, healing of the lacrimal abscess, and prevention of recurrence during follow-up. This case underscores the efficacy of Ayurvedic principles in managing Pooyalasa by addressing the pathogenesis holistically, focusing on both local and systemic healing. Further clinical studies are recommended to evaluate the broader applicability of Ayurvedic protocols in the management of lacrimal sac disorders.

MANAGEMENT OF INDRALUPTA- A CASE REPORT

2025-03-02T09:00:13-07:00

Alopecia Areata, a prevalent autoimmune disorder, manifests as patchy hair loss caused by immune-mediated damage to hair follicles. With rising incidence among younger individuals due to stress, poor nutrition, and lifestyle factors, the condition poses significant psychological and social challenges. While modern science lacks definitive and sustainable treatments for Alopecia Areata, ayurveda offers an effective, holistic approach to managing hair loss through detoxification, dosha balancing, and nourishment. Ayurveda correlates Alopecia Areata with Indralupta, attributing its pathogenesis to tridosha and rakta imbalances along with agnimandya. This case study illustrates the successful ayurvedic management of Indralupta in a 28-year-old female using detoxification therapies (snehapana, virechana, prachana karma), internal medications, and local applications. These interventions restored dosha balance, purified srotas, and rejuvenated hair follicles. The patient exhibited significant hair regrowth and reduced hair loss, reaffirming the role of ayurveda in offering an individualized and sustainable solution for managing autoimmune and dermatological conditions like Indralupta.