Publication

Abstract : Psoriasis is one among the most common skin disorders encountered in clinical practice. It is a chronic disease that has substantial psychological and social impact on a patient’s life. Even though various treatment modalities are available in contemporary system of medicine including topical therapy, corticosteroids, cytotoxic drugs, photo chemotherapy. Most of these treatment modalities have serious limitations as they are only palliative. It is also important to note that they have considerable side effects when used for a longer period. Due to its invariable similarities in signs and symptoms, it is equated to Eka Kushtha in Ayurveda.. Here in, an effort is put forward to compile and analyze the various studies conducted at Gujarat Ayurved University in the management of Psoriasis. A total of 27 studies on Psoriasis were analyzed from Post Graduate and Post Doctoral level research works, which revalidated the impact of various Ayurvedic treatment modalities (viz. Shodhana and Shamana) in Psoriasis. It was analyzed that as a part of Shodhana, Virechana procedure was carried out extensively in studies, where as Shamana therapy maximum drugs presented with Vatakaphashamaka, Raktaprasadana, Vishaghna, Kushthaghna, Kandughna properties, which were opposite to the etiopathogenesis of Ekaskushta or Psoriasis. All the therapies carried out were found to be significantly effective and clinically safe without any adverse drug reactions.