EVIDENCE MAPPING OF PATHYA PATRA DRAVYA IN KUSHTHA AND SHVAYATHU: FROM AYURVEDIC THERAPEUTIC PRINCIPLES TO CONTEMPORARY PHARMACOLOGY

Introduction: Kushtha and Shvayathu are important clinical conditions described in Ayurveda, involving complex disturbances of Dosha, Dhatu, and Srotas. Kushtha encompasses a broad spectrum of cutaneous disorders, while Shvayathu is characterized predominantly by localized or generalized swelling associated with disturbed fluid dynamics and Dosha involvement. Ayurveda emphasizes Pathya as an essential component of management, including specific Patra Dravya selected according to disease characteristics. However, evidence concerning their classical indications and contemporary pharmacological relevance remains dispersed. This review aimed to systematically evaluate Pathya Patra Dravya indicated in Kushtha and Shvayathu and examine their contemporary scientific correlates. Methods: Classical references were systematically reviewed from the Brihattrayi to identify Patra Dravya described as Pathya in Kushtha and Shvayathu. Data on disease-specific indications and relevant Rasapanchaka were extracted. Contemporary pharmacological literature was examined for biological activities relevant to the clinical manifestations and pathophysiological components associated with these conditions. Results: The classical literature demonstrated disease-specific application of the selected Patra Dravya. Patola and Nimba were identified as Pathya in Kushtha, whereas Patola, Nimba, Kakamachi, Vetra, and Mulaka were documented in relation to Shvayathu. Their Rasapanchaka profiles provide an Ayurvedic rationale for their therapeutic and dietary utilization. Contemporary studies have reported pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and related effects that may correspond to selected clinical components of these disorders. Nevertheless, the strength and directness of evidence varied across individual drugs. Conclusion: Pathya Patra Dravya represent a disease-oriented component of Ayurvedic therapeutic nutrition in Kushtha and Shvayathu. This ancient knowledge also gets supported by relevant pharmacological studies at many instances.