Ayurveda compound formulations “Panchatikta ghrita” and “Gandhakadya malahara” in the management of Vicharchika (atopic eczema): A prospective open-label clinical trial

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Eczema or atopic dermatitis is one of the significant public health concerns worldwide. Its prevalence is estimated to be 15–20% in children and 1–3% in adults. Moreover, the incidence of eczema has increased by 2–3-folds during the past decades in industrialized countries. The condition can considerably impact the quality of life of the affected individual by causing physical discomfort, emotional distress, sleep disturbance, and restriction of domestic and social activities. Objectives: The present study was intended to assess the efficacy of Panchatikta Ghrita (PTG) as Shamana sneha (~internal medication for unctuous therapy) and the external application of Gandhakadya Malahara (GKM) in Vicharchika vis-à-vis eczema. Materials and Methods: A prospective open-label clinical trial was conducted in 101 participants of aged between 18 and 60 years with atopic eczema. PTG was given a dose of 10 gm twice daily before food with lukewarm water. GKM was advised for external application twice a day for 12 weeks. The participants were assessed based on cardinal symptoms, Eczema Area and Severity Index scores (EASI), Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire scores. Results: The symptoms such as itching, popular eruption, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and exudation gradually decreased and showed a significant improvement at the end of the study. The EASI, POEM, and DLQI showed statistically significant improvement. Conclusion: Ayurveda compound formulations, PTG and GKM, were found clinically safe and effective in the management of Vicharchika (atopic eczema).