Review on Understanding and Management of Vatarakta W.S.R. to Hyperuricemia

Background - Health is a multidimensional concept that includes physical, physiological, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being, all of which are profoundly influenced by diet and lifestyle choices. Throughout Ayurvedic literature, there is a consistent emphasis on the critical role of Ahara (diet) and Vihara (lifestyle) in both preserving Swasthya (health) and managing Vikara (diseases). This emphasis is especially relevant today, given the significant rise in lifestyle-related metabolic disorders. Vatarakta or gouty arthritis, is a chronic condition stemming from metabolic disruptions caused by unhealthy dietary habits and lifestyle choices. It involves vitiated Vata and Rakta (blood). Initially, vitiated Vata blocks the pathways of vitiated Rakta, which subsequently obstructs Vata itself. This condition shares clinical features with gouty arthritis in its modern counterpart. The primary biochemical feature of gout is elevated levels of serum uric acid (Hyperuricemia) in the bloodstream, stemming from either increased production, decreased excretion, or a combination of both the processes. Ayurvedic literature emphasizes various treatment approaches for Vatarakta, including Raktamokshan (blood-letting therapy), Virechana (purgation), Basti Karma (therapeutic enema), Shamana chikitsa (pacification), Rasayan chikitsa (Rejuvination) and external therapies such as Parishek (fomentation), Abhyang (Oleation), Lepa (ointment), Upanah (poultice). Aim - This study aims to explore the concepts of Vatarakta, its management and to compile the findings from various previous researches and effect of their treatment protocols on Hyperuricemia Material and methods - Ayurvedic texts (Samithas) and databases like PubMed, Scopus, DHARA, Google Scholar, and other related researches were extensively reviewed to gain a comprehensive understanding of Vatarakta and its therapeutic strategies. Results & Conclusion - Multiple studies on Vatarakta management were reviewed, revealing significant decrease in serum uric acid levels with treatments like Guduchi Siddha Yoga Basti, Yashtyadi niruha basti, Kaishore guggulu, Punarnava-Amrita Guggulu, Navkarshik ghan vati and Navkarshik kashayam. Detailed insights from these studies are discussed below. Key words: Vatarakta, Raktamokshana, Rasayana, Gouty Arthritis, Punarnava-Amrita-Guggulu, Guduchi Siddha Yoga Basti, Navkarshik kashayam.