AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF GOUT (VATARAKTA): A REVIEW OF CLASSICAL CONCEPTS AND CONTEMPORARY EVIDENCE

Gout is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperuricemia and deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints, resulting in recurrent inflammatory arthritis. The prevalence of gout has increased globally due to lifestyle changes, dietary habits, and metabolic syndromes. In Ayurveda, gout closely resembles Vatarakta, a disorder resulting from the simultaneous aggravation of Vata Dosha and Rakta Dhatu. Classical Ayurvedic texts describe the etiopathogenesis, symptomatology, and therapeutic strategies for Vatarakta in considerable detail. Management primarily includes Shodhana therapies such as Virechana and Raktamokshana, along with Shamana therapy using herbal formulations and dietary modifications. Drugs such as Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Triphala, and Eranda (Ricinus communis) are frequently indicated due to their anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. Contemporary studies suggest that several Ayurvedic herbs exhibit uric acid–lowering and anti-inflammatory effects, supporting their role in gout management. The present review aims to explore the Ayurvedic concept of Vatarakta, correlate it with gout, and evaluate therapeutic strategies described in classical texts in light of modern research.