TITLE  EFFECT OF SHASHANKALEKHADI LEHA AND JIVANTYADI LEPA AS DESCRIBED IN ASHTANG HRIDAYAM FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF EK-KUSTHA W.S.R. TO PSORIASIS   A CLINICAL STUDY

In Ayurveda all skin disorders are classified under Kustha, which arises from the aggravation of Tridoshas. Ek Kustha a type of Kshudra Kustha  is mainly caused by the vitiation of Vata and Kapha doshas and closely resembles psoriasis   a chronic autoimmune skin disease characterized by erythematous scaly plaques on areas like the elbows knees and scalp

Samprapti 
Due to Nidana sevan  Tridosha become vitiated and cause shithilatain Twak Rakta  Mamsa and Ambu dhatus  resulting in the manifestation of Ek Kustha

Symptoms
Rashes  dryness  fissures  scaling  itching redness and joint stiffness are common

Need for Research
Psoriasis affects 0.44 to 2.8 of Indians, more common in males. The disease has significant psychological impacts including depression and suicidal tendencies  Conventional treatments like steroids and immunosuppressants have long-term side effects creating a need for safe and effective Ayurvedic alternatives

Study Design
An openlabeled  single arm prospective clinical trial on 30 patients for 30 days with a 2 month followup

Patients aged 16 to 70 years were selected based on Ayurvedic diagnostic criteria

Exclusion Criteria
Pregnancy  systemic diseases chronic cases over 5 years  psoriatic arthritis  or those unwilling to continue were excluded

Probable Mode of Action

Shashankalekhadi Leha

Contains Bakuchi Vidanga  Pippali  Chitraka  Amalaki and Mandoor Bhasm  Balances Vata and Kapha dosha

Amalaki and Mandoor Bhasma reduce inflammation, act as antioxidants, and have Rasayana and Kushtaghna effects

Bakuchi’s psoralen compounds inhibit epidermal proliferation and modulate immune activity

Jivantayadi Lepa

Contains Jivanti Manjistha  Daru Haridra Kampillaka Madar  Tutha  Sarjarasa and Madhuchista

Reduces itching redness and dryness

Possesses antiinflammatory, antibacterial  woundhealing and Kushtaghna properties

TREATMENT REGIMEN

Drug                                               SHASHANKALEKHADI LEHA                                                       JIVANTYADI LEPA

Form                                                          Leha                                                                                           lepa

Dose                                                         3gm BD                                                                                     ¼ anguli

Route of Administration                              Oral                                                                                          Local application

Time of Administration                     Morning and evening                                                                         Morning and evening

Treatment Course                                     30 days                                                                                              30 days

Follow up                                                   2 months                                                                                       2 months

Anupan                                                       Til Taila