Gouty Arthritis (Vatarakta) in Ayurveda: Classical Concepts, Contemporary Correlates and Evidence-Based Management—A Comprehensive Literature Review

Vatarakta is an Ayurvedic disease that is classical in nature and is characterised by joint pains, inflammation and burning sensation and is a resultant vitiation of both Vata dosha and Rakta dhatu. The condition exhibits a striking resemblance to the gouty arthritis in contemporary medicine, as both are the result of the metabolic imbalances of the eating habits and lifestyle decisions. This literature review includes the major concepts of Vatarakta as explained in ancient Ayurvedic books, its relation with modern gout (hyperuricaemia) and evidence-based management measures. This paper provides the clinical efficacy of Ayurvedic interventions through the synthesis of 27 scholarly sources, clinical trials, case reports and systematic reviews. The main findings are that the formulations like Kaishora Guggulu, Amritadi Guggulu and Madhusnuhi Rasayana can tremendously lower the serum uric acid by 31-98 per cent compared with each other. Shamanic (palliative) and shodhan (eliminative) therapies are better when included in the management protocols than the conventional treatments alone. The findings confirm that a complex intervention involving both classical Ayurvedic medicine and modern diagnostic techniques is a safe, effective and holistic alternative to manage Vatarakta and other related metabolic conditions in the modern clinical practice.