A CLINICAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF JALAUKAVACHARANA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF VATARAKTA

Vatarakta, a condition akin to gout, is a joint disorder resulting from the imbalance of Vata and Rakta Doshas in Ayurveda. This study investigates the effectiveness of Jalaukavacharana (leech therapy) combined with Shatavari Chhinnruhadi Kashaya in managing Vatarakta. Thirty patients diagnosed with Vatarakta at the National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, were divided into two groups: Group A received Jalaukavacharana and Shatavari Chhinnruhadi Kashaya. In contrast, Group B received only the Shatavari Chhinnruhadi Kashaya. Both groups had significant relief in symptoms like pain, swelling and tenderness. In Group A, there was more significant relief than in Group B. While both groups showed significant reductions in ESR, changes in serum uric acid levels were insignificant. This suggests that Ayurvedic therapies may primarily aid in symptom management rather than uric acid reduction. This study concludes that combining Jalaukavacharana with herbal therapy offers a holistic approach to managing Vatarakta.