Ayurvedic Clinical Study of Kitibha Kustha (Psoriasis)

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic, non-infective skin disorder of unknown etiology, characterized by erythematous, scaly plaques with recurrent episodes. Although not explicitly described in Ayurvedic classics, psoriasis closely resembles Kitibha Kushtha, a type of Kshudra Kushtha with predominance of Vata and Kapha Doshas. Modern medicine lacks a definitive curative treatment for psoriasis, necessitating exploration of alternative therapeutic approaches.

The present clinical study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of an Ayurvedic treatment protocol consisting of Virechana, internal administration of Panchatikta Guggulu Ghrita, and external application of Marichyadi Taila in patients suffering from psoriasis. Fifteen clinically diagnosed patients (12 males and 3 females) were selected for the study. The treatment was administered for a duration of one to three months, and assessment was based on classical signs and symptoms of psoriasis such as scaling, erythema, distribution of lesions, and itching.

The results showed that 66.6% of patients achieved satisfactory relief, with marked reduction in scaling, normalization of skin color, and subsidence of itching. Moderate improvement was observed in 13.3% of cases, while no significant relief was noted in 20% of patients, predominantly those with recurrent attacks. The therapeutic response was better in patients experiencing the disease for the first time.

The study concludes that the Ayurvedic treatment protocol, aimed at pacifying Vata-Kapha Doshas, purifying Rakta, and restoring Dhatwagni, is effective in the management of Kitibha Kushtha (Psoriasis). However, further large-scale controlled clinical trials are required to substantiate these findings.

KEYWORDS: Kitibha Kushtha, Psoriasis, Panchatikta Guggulu Ghrita, Virechana, Ayurvedic management