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| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2018 | Volume
: 39
| Issue : 1 | Page : 9-15 |
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Clinical evaluation of Trivṛta powder (Operculina turpethum Linn.) and Aragvadha Patra Lepa (paste of leaves of Cassia fistula Linn.) in the management of Vicharchika (eczema)
Manisha T Talekar, Sisir Kumar Mandal, Reetu R Sharma
Department of Roganidana Evam Vikriti Vijanana, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| Date of Web Publication | 3-Dec-2018 |
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Manisha T Talekar
Department of Roganidana Evam Vikriti Vijanana, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/ayu.AYU_45_15
 Abstract | | |
Background: In Ayurveda, majority of skin diseases have been mentioned under the umbrella of Kushtha and in other words, it can be listed as “Ayurvedic dermatology.” Among them, Vicharchika (eczema) included under Kshudra Kushtha, has been mentioned as curable disease, but due to relapsing nature of the disease and hazardous side effects of the modern drugs, it is difficult to manage. Ayurveda classics described a number of formulations to combat Kushtha (skin diseases) which offers effective remedy for eczema. Therefore, the attempt was done to assess the effect of Nitya Virechana (regular purgation) along with local application in its management. Aim and Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of Trivritta powder along with Aragvadha Patra Lepa (paste) and Aragvadha Patra Lepa (paste) alone as local application in the management of Vicharchika (eczema). Materials and Methods: A total of 63 patients of Vicharchika (eczema) were selected and allocated in 2 groups, out of which 60 patients (30 patients each) completed the trial treatment. Group A received Trivritta powder (Operculina turpethum Linn.) along with local application of paste of leaves of Aragvadha (Cassia fistula Linn.) and group B received local application of Aragvadha Patra Lepa (paste) for the duration of 4 weeks. Results: All calculations were calculated through ‘Graph Pad In Stat 3’ software. Nitya Virechana (regular purgation) by Trivritta along with Aragvadha Patra Lepa (group A) proved more effective to control itching, discharge, burning sensation, eruption, discoloration, pain and edema of cases of Vicharchika. Conclusion: Treatment with Trivritta (Operculina turpethum Linn.) along with local application of paste of Aragvadha Patra Lepa is effective in reducing the symptoms of Vicharchika Kushtha (eczema).
Keywords: Aragvadha Patra Lepa, eczema, Trivritta powder, Vicharchika
How to cite this article:
Talekar MT, Mandal SK, Sharma RR. Clinical evaluation of Trivṛta powder (Operculina turpethum Linn.) and Aragvadha Patra Lepa (paste of leaves of Cassia fistula Linn.) in the management of Vicharchika (eczema)
. AYU 2018;39:9-15 |
How to cite this URL:
Talekar MT, Mandal SK, Sharma RR. Clinical evaluation of Trivṛta powder (Operculina turpethum Linn.) and Aragvadha Patra Lepa (paste of leaves of Cassia fistula Linn.) in the management of Vicharchika (eczema)
. AYU [serial online] 2018 [cited 2023 Jun 10];39:9-15. Available from: https://www.ayujournal.org/text.asp?2018/39/1/9/246789 |
| Introduction | |  |
Any disorder which affects the skin needs primary attention as it reflects the pathology inside the body and can cause embarrassment. Hence, any disorder affecting skin must be noticed very early and the treatment modalities should be started as early as possible. Skin diseases have increased markedly nowadays because of changed work culture, faulty food habits, lack of exercise, changing lifestyle and increasing pollution.[1]
Ayurveda describes the wide spectra of skin disorders as “Kushtha” and is classified into two divisions, i.e., Maha Kushtha and Kshudra Kushtha. Vicharchika is enlisted under Kshudra Kushtha. All type of Kushtha are Tridoshaja (involving vitiation of these biohumours), hence Vicharchika is also Tridoshaja in origin. Most of the texts have described that Vicharchika has Kapha dominancy and comes under Raktapradoshaja Vikara (disorder occurring due to vitiation of blood). Vicharchika to a greater extent resembles eczema. Eczema is an inflammatory condition of the skin response to many injurious agents characterized by groups of vesicular lesions with a variable degree of exudates and scaling. In some cases, dryness and scaling predominate, with slight inflammation. In more acute cases, there may be considerable inflammation and vesicle formation.[2] The prevalence of eczema has been found to have increased substantially in the latter half of the 20th century, with eczema being found to increase between the late 1940s and 2000.
Modern medical science treats eczema with systemic steroids and other therapeutics to give symptomatic relief. No doubt, the use of steroids suppresses eczema, but it costs deeply in the severe long-term toxicity, including osteoporosis, skin fragility, susceptibility to infection and pituitary-adrenal axis suppression.
Therefore, world is looking toward other system of medicine, especially Ayurveda for this problem. Kushtha and its subtypes have been considered as a “Sapta Dravyasamgraha” (combination of seven pathological factors). Rakta Dushti (vitiation of blood) is one of the important causes of Kushtha.
Virechana Karma (medicated purgation) is indicated not only for Pitta Dosha but also in Kapha and vitiated Rakta. Regular purgation by Trivritta (Operculina turpethum Linn.) eliminates aggravated Dosha (humor). It is also observed that cleansing of bowel is one of the most important treatments before administration of any drug, especially rejuvenation therapy,[3] and in case of Trivritta by the effect, it is laxative and by the virtue of characteristic taste and properties, it helps to treat Kushtha. According to Acharya Sushruta, if Kushtha is located in Tvak (Rasa), Shodhana (purification) and Lepa (local application) should be used.[4] Depending on invading nature of disease, the treatment principle of Kushtha may change in addition to previous Dhatugata treatment. Acharya Charaka has categorically mentioned the different categories of external Kushthahara Lepa and has even given equal importance to external application and internal (Shamana) therapy.[5] Hence, for the clinical study, Aragvadha Patra Lepa[6],[7] (paste of leaves of Cassia fistula Linn.) was selected for local application.
Hence, the present study was aimed to assess and compare the efficacy of Trivritta powder(Operculina turpethum Linn.) given orally along with local application of Aragvadha Patra Lepa (paste of leaves of Cassia fistula Linn.) and locally applied paste of Aragvadha leaves alone in the management of Vicharchika Kushtha.
| Materials and Methods | | |
Study design
The present clinical trial was an open labeled randomized, prospective clinical trial with efficacy as end point.
Source of data
Patients suffering from eczema fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected from the outpatient department of Roganidana evam Vikriti Vijnana of the hospital of NIA, Jaipur. The informed consent from each patient was taken. The reference number of the Institutional ethics committee is 2012–13/15301. The CTRI number for this trial is CTRI/2016/08/007192.
Inclusion criteria
Patients with the classical sign and symptoms of eczema, namely itching, discoloration, discharge, burning sensation, dryness, pain, lines/thickening of skin and eruption and patients above 18–70 years belonging to either sex were selected for the trial.
Exclusion criteria
Patients aged below 18 and above 70 years; patients suffering from leprosy, psoriasis, pulmonary tuberculosis, paralysis, pregnant women and lactating mothers; patients with systemic disorders, namely uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes mellitus etc. were excluded from the trial.
Grouping and posology
In this present study, a total of 63 patients were registered, 60 patients completed the trial while 2 patients from group A and 1 patient from group B left against medical advice. Out of 63 patients, 60 patients were divided into 2 groups, namely A and B by simple randomization method.
The treatment protocol comprised regular purgation along with local application in group A and only local application in group B.
Group A: Nitya Virechana (regular purgation) along with Lepa (local application of paste)
In group A, patients were treated with Nitya Virechana by Trivritta powder (Operculina turpethum Linn.) in a dose of 12 g twice daily after meal with lukewarm water and Aragvadha Patra Lepa (paste of leaves of Cassia fistula Linn.) for local application in sufficient quantity as per area of lesions.[8]
Group B: Lepa (paste) (local application)
Group B patients were treated with Aragvadha Patra Lepa (paste of leaves of Cassia fistula Linn.) for local application in sufficient quantity as per area of lesions.
The total duration of treatment was 4 weeks with the regular follow-up at an interval of 15 days. All the patients were advised to take light and easily digestible diet and to avoid incompatible food.
Preparation of Lepa (paste)
Fresh leaves of Aragvadha (Cassia fistula Linn.) were taken and crushed with Takra (butter milk). The Lepa (paste) was applied in 2-mm thickness on the lesion. It was kept until it was completely dried.
Criteria for assessment of results
Both subjective and objective parameters were taken into consideration for assessment of drug efficacy.
Subjective and objective assessment
More emphasis was given on subjective parameters such as Kandu (itching), Ruja (pain) and Daha (burning sensation) and other parameters such as Vaivarnya (discoloration), Srava (discharge), Rukshata (dryness), Raji (lines/thickening of skin) and Pidaka (eruption) which were classified into grades. The improvement in grade was recorded at different levels.
Kandu (pruritus)
- 0 – No itching
- 1 – Mild/occasional itching
- 2 – Moderate frequent itching
- 3 – Severe frequent itching
- 4 – Very severe itching, which disturbs sleep and other routine activities.
Daha (burning)
- 0 – No burning sensation
- 1 – Mild type of burning sensation
- 2 – Moderate burning sensation
- 3 – Burning present continuously (severe) and even disturbing sleep.
Vaivarnya (discoloration)
- 0 – Nearly normal skin color
- 1 – Brownish-red discoloration
- 2 – Blackish-red discoloration
- 3 – Blackish discoloration.
Srava (oozing)
- 0 – No discharge
- 1 – Occasional discharge after itching
- 2 – Occasional oozing without itching
- 3 – Excessive oozing making clothes wet.
Rukshata (dryness)
- 0 – No line on scrubbing with nail dryness
- 1 – Faint line on scrubbing by nails
- 2 – Lining and even words can be written by nail
- 3 – Excessive Rukshata leading to Kandu
- 4 – Rukshata leading to crack formation.
Pidika (eruption)
- 0 – No eruption in the lesion
- 1 – Scanty eruptions in few lesions
- 2 – Scanty eruptions in at least half of the lesion
- 3 – All the lesions full of eruption.
Raji (thickening of skin)
- 0 – No thickening of skin
- 1 – Thickening of skin but no criss-cross marking
- 2 – Thickening with criss-cross marking
- 3 – Severe lichenification.
Ruja (pain)
- 0 – No pain
- 1 – Mild pain
- 2 – Moderate pain
- 3 – Severe pain.
Shotha (edema)
- 0 – No edema
- 1 – Present in <25% of the area
- 2 – Present in 25%–50% of the area
- 3 – Present in 50%–75% of the area
- 4 – Present in >75% of the area.
Investigation based assessment
Routine investigations, namely, total leukocyte count, differential leukocyte count, hemoglobin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and lipid profile was done before and after treatment and difference was recorded.
Statistical analysis
All the calculations were calculated through “Graph Pad In Stat 3” software. The obtained data were analyzed statistically. Scored values of nonparametric parameters were analyzed by Wilcoxon signed-rank test within group and Mann–Whitney test was used for intergroup comparison. For intragroup comparison of investigational values, paired t-test, while for intergroup comparison, unpaired t-test was used.
| Observations and Results | | |
Maximum patients were in the age group of 36–45 years and 58.73% were males, 92.06% belonged to Hindu community, 82.53% were married, 28.57% had graduation level education, 30.15% patients were from service class, 70.36% were from urban area, 76.19% belonged to middle class and 71.42% were vegetarian. Deha Prakriti (body constitution) illustrated that maximum patients, i.e. 39.68% were of Vata-Kapha Prakriti and 74.60% patients had Rajo-Tama Prakriti (psychological make up) as a Manasika Prakriti (psychological makeup). Nearly 41.26% patients had chronicity of the disease for more than 1 year and 73.01% had a negative family history of eczema. Majority of patients (55.55%) were taking allopathic treatment and remaining 7.93% were taking Ayurvedic treatment. About 62.5% patients had irregular bowel habits. Almost 34.92% patients had sound sleep and 30.15% of the patients were in habit to take day sleep. About 50.79% patients were consuming Lavana Rasa (salty taste) and 41.26% were habituated to Amla Rasa (sour taste), predominant food articles. Agni-wise distribution showed that Mandagni (unpaired digestive system) was found in 50.79% of the patients. Krura Koshtha (constipated bowel habits which require laxative) was found in 42.85% patients.
Majority of the patients (79.36%) had a gradual onset of the disease. The 100% patients were in habit of taking Viruddha Ahara (incompatible diet) such as Samyoga Viruddha (incompatibility of combination), Virya Viruddha (incompatibility of potency) and Samskara Viruddha (incompatibility of mode of preparation) while 50.79% were taking Matra Viruddha Ahara (incompatibility of quantity). Krama Viruddha Ahara (incompatibility of sequence) was practiced by 49.20% of the patients. Rest 20.63% of the patients were taking Vidhi Viruddha Ahara (incompatibility of rules for eating).
Nearly 33.33% patients reported aggravation of the symptoms in summer season and 28.57% of the patients reported aggravation of the symptoms during rainy season. 56.66% patients were suffering from Shushka type of Vicharchika (dry eczema), whereas 43.33% were with Sravi type of Vicharchika (wet eczema) [Table 1].
All the patients (100%) had Vaivarnya (discoloration), Kandu (itching) and Pidaka (eruption). 73.33% patients had Raji (lining/thickening of skin), 56.66% patients had Rukshata (dryness), 43.33% patients had Srava (oozing), 40% patients had Ruja (pain) followed by 38.33% patients who had Daha (burning sensation) and 23.33% patients had Shotha (inflammation).
In group A, effect of trial drug Trivritta powder along with Aragvadha Patra Lepa on subjective parameters showed that there was a statistically extremely significant (P < 0.0001) improvement in itching, oozing, and eruption. Very significant improvement was found on burning (P = 0.0078) and significant improvement was found on discoloration (P = 0.0156), pain (P = 0.0156) and Shotha (inflammation) (P = 0.0313). No significant improvement was found on dryness (P = 0.0625) and Raji (P = 0.0625). In group B, trial drug Aragvadha Patra Lepa (paste) provided statistically significant improvement on discoloration (P = 0.0313), itching (P = 0.0156), oozing (P = 0.0313) burning sensation (P = 0.0313) and eruption (P = 0.0156) and no significant improvement on pain (P = 0.500), Raji (thickening of the skin) (P = 0.125), dryness (P = 0.250) and Shotha (inflammation) (P = 0.0625) [Table 2], [Graph 1], and [Graph 2]. | Table 2: Effect of therapy in subjective parameters in Group A and Group B (Wilcoxon matched paired single ranked test)
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On comparing the effect of the two groups, it was found that there was extremely significant difference (P < 0.0001) between the two groups in itching, oozing, burning sensation and eruption. Mean difference of group A was greater than group B. This implies that clinically group A was better than group B in relief on itching, oozing, burning and eruption [Table 3]. The percent relief in all the cardinal symptoms has been depicted in [Graph 3]. | Table 3: Intergroup comparison between Group A and Group B on subjective parameters in the patients of eczema (Mann-Whitney test)
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Routine hematological and biochemical investigations were carried out in both groups before and after the treatment. However, no significant differences were found in laboratory parameters. From the above results, it is observed that the treatment of group A is proved to be better than treatment group B.
| Discussion | | |
Trivritta has Madhura (sweet), Kashaya (astringent),[9] Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter),[10] Rasa (taste), Katu Vipaka (post digestive effect) and Ushna Virya (hot potency), which is pacifying Kapha and Pitta, for it also easily and safely eliminates the body wastes, so it corrects vitiated Pachaka Pitta and helps in purifying Raktadhatu and thereby combating Rakta Dushti (blood impurity). Pachaka Pitta controls other Pitta in the body including Bhrajaka Pitta which is also vitiated in Vicharchika. This might have the reason of its action in getting relief in discoloration, itching, burning sensation and eruptions. Katu (pungent) and Tikta (bitter) Rasa of Trivritta does Lekhana (scraping) of Pravriddha (increased) Mamsa Dhatu. Excessive Kleda in Vicharchika is produced due to vitiated lymph, which is Apa Mahabhuta Pradhana (having dominancy of secretion). Trivritta has Ruksha Guna (dry quality) and hence, helps to dry up the discharge, which might be the reason of getting relief in Srava and Pidika. Trivritta does Ama Pachana, removes Sanga (obstruction) from Srotasa (channels) and does Srotomukha Vishodhana (opening of pores of channels). Due to this, Vata gets pacified and helps in Samprapti Vighatana (reversing of pathogenesis). Trivritta is also having Krimighna (antimicrobial) property.[11] Krimi is mentioned as a causative factor of Kushtha. Hence, it directly acts on Vicharchika Kushtha (eczema) (antibacterial activity[12] and anti-inflammatory activity[13]).
Acharya Sushruta has mentioned Lepa (paste) (local application) as the treatment of Kushtha, as it is a type of Shodhana (purification). Lepa (paste) pacifies provoked local Dosha by local application. Furthermore, Acharya Charaka has described Lepa (paste) as “Sadyah Siddhi Karaka (providing instant effect).”[14] Application of ingredients of Lepa (paste) enters into Romakupa (hair follicle) and further gets absorbed through Svedavahi Srotasa (channels of sweat) and Siramukha (opening the skin pores) leading to desired effects. Aragvadha Patra has Kushthagna (anti-Kushtha), Kandughna (anti-itching), Kriminashaka (antimicrobial) and Rakta Shodhaka (blood purifier)[15] properties due to which is acts on Vicharchika by virtue of its antibacterial and antifungal activities,[16],[17] anti-itching activity.[18] wound healing[19] and anti-inflammatory activity.[20],[21] Aragvadha Patra Lepa (paste) along with Takra (butter milk) creates irritation and penetrates the skin. Therefore, it provides early improvement. In this way, the treatment of group A (Nitya Virechana by Trivrit along with Aragvadha Patra Lepa is proved to be better than group B (Aragvadha Patra Lepa) [Figure 1], [Figure 2], [Figure 3]. | Figure 2: After 15 days effect of Trivritta powder along with paste of Aragvadha leaves (group A) on the skin lesion
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 | Figure 3: After treatment effect of Trivritta powder along with paste of Aragvadha leaves on the skin lesion (group A)
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| Conclusion | | |
Trivritta along with Aragvadha Patra Lepa (paste) has provided significant results on itching, oozing, burning sensation, eruptions, discoloration, pain and inflammation in comparison to only Aragvadha Patra Lepa (paste). Hence, the combination action of Trivritta powderand Aragvadha Patra Lepa (paste) is effective to check the etiopathogenesis of eczema and thus it can be concluded that Trivritta powderalong with Aragvadha Patra Lepa (paste of leaves of Cassia fistula Linn.) is safeand cost-effective treatment for Vicharchika Kushtha (eczema).
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
| References | | |
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| 2. | Buxton PK. Eczema and Dermatitis. ABC of Dermatology. 4 th edition. London: BMJ Publishing Group Ltd., BMA House, Tavistock Square; 2003. p. 17. |
| 3. | Vidyadhar SA, Dutt TR, editors. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha, Chikitsa Sthana. 1 st edition. Ch. 1, Ver. 28. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2007. p. 8. |
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| 9. | Vidyadhar SA, Dutt TR, editors. Agnivesha. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha, Kalpa Sthana. 1 st edition. Ch. 7, Ver. 5. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2007. p. 832. |
| 10. | Priyavrata S, Guruprasad S, editoras. Kaiyadeva-Nighantu, Trivrit. 1 st edition. Ver. 1015-1016. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 1979. p. 187-8. |
| 11. | Priyavrata S, Guruprasad S, editors. Dhanvantari Nighantu, Trivrit. 2 nd edition. Ver. 236-237. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 1988. p. 59-60. |
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| 14. | Acharya S, Vidyadhara T, Dutt R, editors. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha, Chikitsa Sthana. 1 st edition. Ch. 7, Ver. 53. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2007. p. 188. |
| 15. | Sharma PV, Vigyana D. 3 rd edition. Vol. 2. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Bharti; 2006. p. 170-2. |
| 16. | Abo KA, Lasaki SW, Deyemi AA. Laxative and antimicrobial properties of Cassia species growing in Ibadan. Niger J Natl Prod Med 1990;3:47-50. |
| 17. | Duraipandiyana V, Ignacimuthu S. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of Cassia fistula L.: An ethnomedicinal plant. J Ethnopharmacol 2007;112:590-4. |
| 18. | Sangita D, Sarkar PK, Sengupta A, Chattopadhyay AA. Clinical study of Aragvadha ( Cassia fistula L.) on Vicharcika (eczema). J Res Educ Indian Med 2008; 14(2): 27-32. |
| 19. | Senthil Kumar M, Sripriya R, Vijaya Raghavan H, Sehgal PK. Wound healing potential of Cassia fistula on infected albino rat model. J Surg Res 2006;131:283-9. |
| 20. | Ilavarasan R, Mallika M, Venkataraman S. Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidant activity of Cassia fistula linn. Bark extracts. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med 2005;2:70-85. |
| 21. | Navanath MS. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of Cassia fistula and Ficus bengalensis. J Pharm Res 2009;2:8. |
[Figure 1], [Figure 2], [Figure 3]
[Table 1], [Table 2], [Table 3]
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