International Journal of Applied Ayurved Research

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF INDRALUPTA (ALOPECIA AREATA): A CASE REPORT

2026-07-11T14:48:09+0530

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic, immune-mediated, non-scarring hair loss disorder. In Ayurveda, it closely resembles Indralupta, involving the vitiation of Vata, Pitta, and Rakta with Kapha obstructing the Romakupa (hair follicles). Conventional therapies show variable outcomes and high recurrence rates. This case report evaluates a Combined Ayurveda approach for Indralupta. Case Presentation: A 24-year-old male presented with a six-month history of progressively enlarging, well-defined, non-scarring bald patches on the left parietal and occipital scalp, accompanied by mild itching and dryness. The condition had severely impacted his psychological well-being. Therapeutic Intervention: The patient was managed with a multimodal Ayurvedic protocol. Raktamokshana (bloodletting) was done via Jalaukavacharana (leech therapy) and local Prachhana (scarification). This was combined with local applications of Indralupta mashi and daily Shiro Abhyanga (head massage) using Malatyadi Taila. Oral Shamana (palliative) medicines included Combination of Saptamrut loha, Guduchi, Amalaki, Vidanga and Triphala Churna alongside strict dietary and lifestyle modifications (Nidana Parivarjana) done for 45 days. Outcomes: within two weeks of treatment Itching and dryness subsided. Fine, depigmented vellus hairs appeared by week three, progressively maturing into stable, pigmented terminal hair. The Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score significantly improved from 38% at baseline to 5% at the end of the 45-day treatment period. No adverse events occurred and regrowth remained stable at the end of treatment after 45 days and 2 months follow up after 60 days. Conclusion: This case suggests that a comprehensive Ayurvedic protocol Shodhana, Shamana, and Sthanika
Chikitsa provides an effective, safe alternative for managing Indralupta.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF ABHIGATAJADUSHTAVRANA (POST-TRAUMATIC CHRONIC NON-HEALING WOUND) THROUGH DASHAMOOLA KWATHA PRAKSHALANA AND TILA KALKA LEPA : A CASE REPORT

2026-07-02T14:56:56+0530

Introduction: Chronic non-healing wounds following trauma pose a significant clinical challenge, often causing prolonged morbidity, delayed return to work, and risk of secondary infection, particularly in occupational settings with repeated mechanical stress and contamination. Classical Ayurvedic surgical literature describes such wounds as Dushtavrana (vitiated, non-healing wound), distinguished from Shuddha Vrana (clean wound) by discoloration, slough, malodorous discharge, and arrested healing. Sushruta, in the Chikitsa Sthana of the Sushruta Samhita, describes an elaborate sixty-fold therapeutic protocol (Shashti Upakrama) for Vrana management, encompassing cleansing, debridement, and Ropana (healing-promoting) measures. This report documents application of two such modalities, Dashamoola Kwatha Prakshalana and Tila Kalka Lepa, in a case of post-traumatic Dushtavrana of the foot. Case Presentation: A 36-year-old male construction worker, free of diabetes and hypertension, presented with a one-month-old post-traumatic non-healing foot wound showing a slough-covered bed, irregular hyperpigmented margins, and scant serosanguinous discharge, consistent with Dushtavrana. He was managed with surgical debridement (Shodhana) followed by once-daily Dashamoola Kwatha Prakshalana and topical Tila Kalka Lepa for 14 days, with follow-up on Day 21. Serial examinations showed progressive reduction of slough, improved granulation quality, and advancing epithelialization, culminating in near-complete wound closure without adverse events. Conclusion: This case illustrates the practical application of classical Shodhana and Ropana principles in managing post-traumatic Dushtavrana, with a favourable clinical trajectory on sequential follow-up. The Shodhana–Ropana combination of Dashamoola Kwatha Prakshalana followed by Tila Kalka Lepa offered a safe, low-cost, practical option for occupational post-traumatic wounds, supporting its consideration as an adjunct in resource-limited wound-care settings.

AYURVEDIC INTERVENTION IN PRIMARY INFERTILITY ASSOCIATED WITH LOW ANTI-MÜLLERIAN HORMONE (AMH) : A CASE REPORT

2026-06-27T10:01:38+0530

Aim: To evaluate the effect of Ayurvedic management in a patient with primary infertility associated with low Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels and diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).Background: Diminished ovarian reserve is a major cause of female infertility, characterized by reduced ovarian response and fertility potential. In Ayurveda, it can be correlated with Vandhyatwa (infertility) associated with Artava Kshaya (depletion of reproductive tissue) and Beeja Daurbalya (defective ovum), resulting from Vata Dosha vitiation and inadequate nourishment of reproductive tissues. Case Description: A 31-year-old woman presented with primary infertility for three years, scanty menstruation, and previous failed intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization. Serum AMH was 0.5 ng/mL, while other hormonal parameters, semen analysis, and tubal patency were normal. She was diagnosed with Apraja Vandhyatwa associated with Artava Kshaya. Treatment included Deepana-Pachana with Chitrakadi Vati, Snehapana with Phala Ghrita, Virechana Karma, Kala Basti comprising Brihatyadi Yapana Basti and Sahacharadi Taila Anuvasana Basti, followed by oral medications, dietary modifications, and lifestyle advice. After treatment, menstrual flow improved, ultrasonography demonstrated a dominant follicle (20 × 15 mm) with ovulation, and the patient subsequently conceived naturally, confirmed by a positive urine pregnancy test. Conclusion: This case suggests that a comprehensive Ayurvedic approach may improve follicular maturation and facilitate natural conception in women with low AMH-associated infertility. Larger clinical studies are required to validate these findings.

FROM TOXICITY TO THERAPEUTICS: A REVIEW OF UPAVISHA DRAVYAS IN AYURVEDA

2026-07-06T12:03:16+0530

Upavisha Dravyas are semi-poisonous substances described in Ayurveda that possess both toxic and therapeutic properties. Although these drugs have been widely employed in Ayurvedic pharmaceutics after appropriate Shodhana (purification), information regarding their classification, purification procedures, therapeutic applications, and regulatory status remains dispersed across classical texts and contemporary scientific literature. This fragmented knowledge makes it difficult to understand their rational therapeutic use and highlights the need for a comprehensive review. The present review was undertaken to critically compile and analyse the available classical and contemporary evidence on Upavisha Dravyas, with emphasis on their classification, Shodhana procedures, therapeutic applications, and regulatory considerations. The review was conducted using information gathered from classical Ayurvedic texts, including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Rasaratna Samuccaya, Rasa Tarangini, Ayurveda Prakasha, Bhava Prakasha, Sarangadhara Samhita and other authoritative Rasashastra literature, along with published research articles, standard reference books, and official publications related to Ayurvedic toxicology and regulatory guidelines. The review revealed considerable variation among classical texts regarding the number and classification of Upavisha Dravyas, reflecting the gradual evolution of Ayurvedic knowledge. Classical literature describes drug-specific Shodhana procedures employing media such as Gomutra, Godugdha, Kanjika, Ghrita, and herbal decoctions to reduce toxicity and enhance therapeutic efficacy. Following proper purification and administration in prescribed doses, Upavisha Dravyas are incorporated into numerous classical formulations for the management of neurological, musculoskeletal, respiratory, dermatological, and gastrointestinal disorders. The review also identified that several Upavisha drugs are included under Schedule E1 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, emphasizing the importance of quality control, dose regulation, and standardized pharmaceutical practices. Overall, the available literature supports the therapeutic significance of Upavisha Dravyas while highlighting the need for scientific validation of classical purification methods, pharmacological and toxicological evaluation, and clinical studies to ensure their safe and evidence-based use. Integrating traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern scientific research may further strengthen their role in contemporary healthcare.

EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF TARPANA KARMA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SUSHKAKSHIPAKA (DRY EYE SYNDROME): A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

2026-07-06T11:05:04+0530

Sushkakshipaka is described in Ayurveda closely resembles Dry Eye Syndrome (DES), a multifactorial ocular surface disorder characterized by tear film instability, ocular discomfort, and inflammation. Tarpana Karma, a specialized Ayurvedic ocular therapy involving the retention of medicated Ghrita over the eyes, has been traditionally used for the management of ocular diseases. This review summarizes the available Ayurvedic literature and contemporary scientific evidence on the efficacy, safety, and therapeutic mechanisms of Tarpana Karma in Dry Eye Syndrome. The available evidence suggests that Tarpana Karma improves symptoms such as dryness, burning sensation, foreign body sensation, and visual discomfort, while enhancing objective parameters including Schirmer's test and Tear Film Break-Up Time (TBUT). The prolonged contact of medicated Ghrita with the ocular surface promotes lubrication, stabilizes the tear film, reduces evaporation, and facilitates ocular drug delivery. Although current findings support the potential of Tarpana Karma as a safe and effective adjunctive therapy for Dry Eye Syndrome, further well-designed randomized controlled trials are required to establish its long-term efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action