Efficacy of selected Ayurveda formulations in managing Vicharchika: A multi-centric single-arm clinical trial

Background: Vicharchika is one among the Kushtharoga (~integumentary disease) in Ayurveda and is comparable to Atopic Dermatitis (AD), the common form of eczema – a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder. Conventional therapies of biomedicine often carry the risk of adverse effects and come with limited long-term efficacy. Materials and Methods: A multi-centric, single-arm, open-label clinical trial was conducted in 120 adults with AD diagnosed using the Hanifin and Rajka criteria, of whom 104 completed the study. Participants received oral Khadirarishta , Kaishora guggulu , and topical Gandhakadi malhara for 12 weeks, followed by a 4-week observation period. The primary outcome was change in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score; the secondary outcomes included Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and clinical symptoms. Safety was assessed using hematological and biochemical parameters. Data were analyzed using the Friedman test and repeated measures Analysis of Variance ( P < 0.05). Results: There were significant improvements in the clinical outcomes. The median EASI score reduced from 4.80 at baseline to 1.20 at the end of the study ( P < 0.001). POEM scores improved significantly ( P < 0.001), reflecting better patient-reported symptom management. DLQI scores showed a marked enhancement in quality of life. Itching, papular eruptions, and exudation showed significant relief. No serious adverse events were reported. No clinically significant changes were observed in renal and liver function tests, indicating a favorable safety profile of the trial drugs. Conclusion: The Ayurveda formulations showed clinically promising improvement in disease severity, symptom burden, and quality of life in Vicharchika patients, with a good safety profile. These results indicate their potential as effective therapeutic options for chronic inflammatory skin disorders, warranting further validation through randomized controlled trials.