NEED FOR THE STUDY:

  The word “Vrana” derived from the root word “Vran” means the splitting/tearing of the tissue and eventually leaves an imprint¹. Dushta vrana which can be co-related to any non healing ulcer and it is more crucial to debride, promote epithelialization and make it possible to reach healthy granulation  tissue. If this ulcer left untreated or not properly treated, they can lead to complications.

   In present era, about 60% of diabetics will develop neuropathy, eventually leading to foot ulcer. The common causes are poor control of blood sugar level, foot deformities and improper care.

   Annual incidence of diabetic foot ulcer World wide is between 9.1-26.1 millions². Around  15 – 25% of those will develop foot ulcer during their life time³. Overall about 5% of diabetic patients develop foot ulcer and 1% of them end up in amputation.

   Diabetic foot ulcers(DFUs) (30.5%), for example, have a comparable 5-year mortality rate to cancer (31%),which has remain unchanged since 2007 and yet funding for studies related to these life-threatening complications remains significantly lower than that for cancer research^{4 .}

  Despite recent advances in antibiotics, topical creams, skin grafting, reconstructive surgery, and other medical treatments, it is still impossible to prevent gangrene. Managing diabetic wounds has never been an easy task for surgeons. This issue has seen as an ensuing need for amputation. Finding effective and secure interventions and medications is an ongoing search given the seriousness of the disease and lack of appropriate treatments.

  Acharya Sushsruta  mentioned Kshara  Karma as one among Shasti upakrama of vrana ⁵. Kshara is an alkaine substance prepared through classical methodology, having Chedana, Bhedana, Lekhana, tridoshagna⁶ properties also described as Anushastra and Upayantra.

  Acharya Sushruta  mentioned various types of  bandaging techniques and bandaging materials for healing purposes in different forms like Vikeshika, Kavalika, Plota and Pichu⁷. Among them Plota is selected for the study. Studies have found that Ksharaplota is having Shodhana , Ropana properties.

  Ksharaplota offers distruction of unhealthy tissues, draining of the debris and simultaneously enhances granulation process. Combination of Shweta Arka kshara, Snuhi ksheera and Haridra having  lekhana, shodhana and ropana properties, promotes neovascularization and  faster wound healing by its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and antioxidant activities.

   Here is an attempt made to evaluate the efficacy of Shweta Arka Ksharaplota and to compare its efficacy with Apamarga kshara plota in the management of  Kaphaja Dushta vrana Vis-à-vis Diabetic foot ulcer.