Management of psoriasis with Ayurveda Panchakarma and Manibhadragula as Shodhana Rasayana – a case report

Objectives Plaque psoriasis is very embarrassing condition of skin as it produces itchy rashes and scaly lesions which may not respond well to the treatment. It can be correlated with Kitibhakushta which is one among the 18 types of Kushta (skin diseases). Several corticosteroids for skin applications are used now a day’s which gives only temporary relief. Case presentation A 36 years old moderate built male patient complains of blackish skin rashes with itching, pain and scaling all over the body for three months. Based on the symptoms, Dosha (Biological humors) involved were assessed as Kapha (binding factors) and Vata (vital force of life) and suggestive of Kitibhakushta. Diagnosis of the Plaque psoriasis was further confirmed by biopsy. Classical Kushta treatment was adopted here. As Poorvakarma (pre-operative procedures), Rukshana (Dehydrating therapy) was done and then Snehapana (intake of medicated ghee) was administered. Then classical Vamana (emetic therapy) and Virechana (purgative therapy) were performed. This took almost one month. After Samsarjana (special diet) patient was administered Manibhadragula as Shodhana Rasayana for a period of one month. At the end of Manibhadragula intake, remarkable changes were observed in all the symptoms. There were significant changes seen in PASI, DLQI and photographs taken before and after treatment. Conclusions Here the special mode of administration of Manibhadragula as mentioned in Ashtanga Hridaya helps for Shodhana and the Shodhana itself has Rasayana action. Drugs also have Rasayana property. This made the authors to propose a new concept called Shodhana Rasayana. Classical treatment by considering the condition of Roga (disease) and Rogi (patient) helps for management of Kushta.