A COMPREHENSIVE AYURVEDA CLASSICAL, PHARMACOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL REVIEW OF ANTI-FUNGAL AND IMMUNOMODULATORY EFFECT OF DVITIYA EDAGAJADI LEPA AND ARAGVADHADI KASHAYA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DADRU KUSHTA (TINEA CORPORIS)

Background: Dadru Kushta, described in Ayurvedic classical texts as a chronic skin disorder with manifestations of itching (kandu), redness (raga), pustules (pidaka) and raised circular patches (udgatam mandala), closely correlates with the modern dermatological entity of Tinea corporis (ringworm of the body) — a dermatophytic fungal infection of significant global public health importance.[1,2] Objective: This review critically evaluates the Ayurvedic classical textual basis, phytochemical constituents, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles, pharmacological activities, and available clinical evidence pertaining to Dvitiya Edagajadi Lepa and Aragvadhadi Kashaya, compared with Prathama Edagajadi Lepa and Aragvadhadi Kashaya, as formulated in Chakradatta, in the management of Dadru Kushta with special reference to Tinea corporis. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, DHARA, AYUSH Research Portal, classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hrudaya, Ashtanga Sangraha, Chakradatta, Sharangadhara Samhita, Bhavaprakasha, Madhava Nidana, Kashyapa Samhita, and Bhela Samhita), and contemporary pharmacological journals. Articles relevant to the constituent drugs, their phytochemistry, antifungal properties, and clinical trials were reviewed and synthesized. Results: Dvitiya Edagajadi Lepa contains additional ingredients — Pippali (Piper longum Linn), Tila (Sesamum indicum Linn), and Lavana traya — compared to Prathama Edagajadi Lepa, conferring enhanced antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and skin-penetration-enhancing properties through piperine, sesamin, and sodium chloride respectively.[11,12] Aragvadhadi Kashaya, comprising Aragvadha, Pippali mula, Musta, Katuka, and Haritaki, provides synergistic kusghtaghna, krimighna, and kandughna effects internally.[9] Conclusion: Dvitiya Edagajadi Lepa, by virtue of its additional phytochemical constituents, demonstrates theoretically superior antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and bio-enhancing properties over Prathama Edagajadi Lepa for management of Dadru Kushta/Tinea corporis. Controlled clinical trials are warranted to validate these findings.