E-ISSN:2456-3110

Research Article

Dushta Vrana

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 9 Number 9 SEPTEMBER
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Role of Daruharidra Rasakriya Lepa in the management of Dushta Vrana w.s.r. to Chronic Non-Healing Ulcer : A Clinical Study

Raina S1*, Sharma P2, Gupta S3, Bhat S4
DOI:10.21760/jaims.9.9.4

1* Sumit Raina, Senior Research Fellow, Regional Ayurveda Research Institute Bantalab, Jammu, J and K Ut, India.

2 Punika Sharma, BAMS Final Prof, Government Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital Akhnoor, Jammu, J and K Ut, India.

3 Sudesh Gupta, Associate Professor, Department of Shalya Tantra, Government Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital Akhnoor, Jammu, J and K Ut, India.

4 Sumit Bhat, BAMS Final Prof, Government Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital Akhnoor, Jammu, J and K Ut, India.

Background: Vrana is an interruption of continuity of body tissue or part by physical, microbial, chemical or immunological causes, typically associated with loss of function. Vrana can be correlated with wounds and ulcers. Normally, Vranas are healed by itself if kept clean. Wound factors delay wound healing. The presence of infection, insufficient blood supply, tissue tension, radiation, malnutrition, diabetes, consumption of steroids etc. are the important factors which delay the wound healing process. Dushta Vrana is one of the Vranas which needs time for its healing. Acharya Sushruta mentioned Rasakriya under Shasti Upakramas for management of Vrana. Any drug formulation should possess two qualities for proper wound healing i.e., Vrana Shodhana (Making free from undesirable wound factors) and Vrana Ropana (Closure of the wound). Many formulations are in use for centuries. One of them is Daruharidrarasakriya. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of Daruharidraraskriya on the basis of relief in signs and symptoms of Dushta Vrana.

Materials and Methods: In this study, Lepa of Daruharidrarasakriya was applied on affected part of 25 patients selected from Shalya OPD, GAMC&H, Akhnoor, for the management of Vrana.

Results: The results observed based on the relief obtained on the subjective and objective parameters taken for consideration for this study viz. Pain, Size of ulcer, Discharge, Base (granulation tissue) and were found significant on all the above parameters.

Conclusion: It showed that Daruharidraraskriya significantly helped in reduction of the signs and symptoms of the Dushta Vrana, enhancing wound healing process and reducing the morbidity of the patients.

Keywords: Vrana, Dushta Vrana, Daruharidrarasakriya, Wound Healing

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Sumit Raina, Senior Research Fellow, , Regional Ayurveda Research Institute Bantalab, Jammu, J and K Ut, India.
Email: 		Raina S, Sharma P, Gupta S, Bhat S, Role of Daruharidra Rasakriya Lepa in the management of Dushta Vrana w.s.r. to Chronic Non-Healing Ulcer : A Clinical Study. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;9(9):24-31.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/3574

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-08-12 2024-08-22 2024-09-02 2024-09-12 2024-09-26
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None Nil Yes 12.24

© 2024by Raina S, Sharma P, Gupta S, Bhat Sand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Introduction

Acharaya Sushruta defines Vrana as:

Vrunoti Yasmat Rudeapi Vranavastu Na Nashyati Aadeha Dharanat Tasmad Vranaityuchyate Budhai [1] It is said that Vrana is that which covers the skin and the Vranavastu, that is scar tissue remains on body till the person survives. Vranavastu can be said as scar or a mark that is seen remaining only in broad and deep wounds but not in thin and superficial ones. He elaborates derivation of word Vrana in Dwivraniyachikitsa. It is derived from the root word ‘Vrana’ which means splitting/ discontinuity. Acharya Dalhana also mentions meaning of Vrana as causing discolouration of the body or its parts.[2] Vrana can be co-related with wound and ulcers.

An ulcer is break in the continuity of the covering epithelium, skin or mucus membrane. It may either follow molecular death of the surface epithelium or its traumatic removal. Chronic wounds are defined as wounds that fail to proceed through the normal phases of wound healing in an orderly and timely manner. The common causes are venous disease, arterial disease, and neuropathy. Less common causes are metabolic disorders, haematological disorders and infective diseases.[3]

Classification of Vrana[4]

Vrana are classified into two main types on the basis of Hetu:

(A) Nijavrana: Endogenous Vranas caused by the vitiation of doshas. It is of 5 types:

  • Vataj
  • Pittaj
  • Kaphaja
  • Sannipataj
  • Raktaj

(B) Agantujavrana: It is caused by external factors like Vadha, Bandha, fall or injury due to fangs, bites etc. It is of 6 types:

  • Chinna (Incised wound)
  • Bhinna (Lacerated wound)
  • Vhiddha (Punctured wound)
  • Kshata (Lacerated wound)
  • Picchita (Contused wound)
  • Ghrishta (Abrasion)

Vrana can also be classified according to the involvement of Doshas (Dosha Prasara):

(A) Shuddhavrana

(B) Ashuddhavrana: It can be classified into 15 types:

  • Vataj
  • Pittaj
  • Kaphaja
  • Raktaj
  • Vata-Pittaj
  • Vata-Kaphaj
  • Pitta-Kaphaj
  • Vata-Raktaj
  • Pitta-Raktaj
  • Kapha-Raktaj
  • Vata-Pitta-Raktaj
  • Vata-Kapha-Raktaj
  • Pitta-Kapha-Raktaj
  • Vata-Pitta-Kaphaj
  • Vata-Pitta-Kapha-Raktaj

Chronic wounds can be classified as vascular ulcers (e.g., venous and arterial ulcers), diabetic ulcers, and pressure ulcers.

Some common features shared by each of these wounds include prolonged or excessive inflammation, persistent infections, formation of drug-resistant microbial bio-films, and the inability of dermal and/or epidermal cells to respond to reparative stimuli.

Venous Ulcers: In venous disease, ulcers are usually located in the gaiter area between the ankle and the calf, often on the medial aspect of the leg. Venous ulcers arise from venous valve incompetence.

Arterial Ulcers: Arterial ulceration typically occurs over the toes, heels, and bony prominences of the foot i.e. ulcer appears “punched out” with well-demarcated edges and a pale, non-granulating and necrotic base. These occur as a result of reduced arterial blood flow and in turn, reduced tissue perfusion.


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Diabetic Ulcers: Diabetic patients are at higher risk for arterial diseases and neuropathy, therefore, can develop ulcers due to both entities. In addition, hyperglycemia poses the risk of ulcers secondary to neuropathic impairment of sensory, motor, and autonomic function, typically in the hand and foot, or “stocking and glove” distributions.

Pressure Ulcers: Pressure ulcers are, as their name implies, caused primarily by unrelieved pressure. They usually occur over bony prominences such as the sacrum or the heel but can occur on any part of the body subjected to pressure.[5]

Stages of Vranaropana (Wound Healing)[6]

  • Shuddhavrana (Clean Wound): The Vrana which is soft, smooth, color like tongue, painless with clear margins and without discharge is termed as Shuddhavrana.
  • Rhuhyamaanavrana (Healing Wound): The wound having color like pigeon, without any discharge, firm and full of granulation tissue is termed Rhuhyamaanavrana.
  • Samyakrudhavrana (Healed Wound): The wound without any swelling, pain, any sign of inflammation, color similar to surrounding skin and a flat scar without any granulation is termed as Samyakrudhavrana.

Management of Vrana

Wound healing completes in three phases: Inflammatory, proliferative and remodelling. Granulation, collagen maturation and scar formation are some of the other phases of wound healing but are independent of each other.[7] Normally wound factors delay wound healing. The presence of infection is one of the important factors which delay the wound healing process.

Dushta Vrana is one of the Vranas which needs time for its healing. For healing, it is necessary to remove the maximum Dushti by virtue of Shodhana and Ropana. Management of Dushta Vrana includes Shodhana (cleaning) both external and internal and Ropana chikitsa (wound healing).

For Antah Shodhana, all types of Panchakarma help depending upon the Dosha involvement. Bahya Shodhana means cleaning of wound by using Kashaya of Shodhanaga Dravyas, Varti, Kalka, Ghruta, Taila, Churna and Rasakriya. Vrana Ropana should be done using drugs having healing properties.

Ropana is always associated with Shodhana in Ayurveda because a wound cannot be healed if it is not Shuddha, so healing is only possible factor if Vrana is clean.[8] Even though healing is a natural process, it is inhibited by various factors. Acharaya Sushruta has mentioned Shastikupkramas for the management of Vranas. One of these is Rasakriya.[9]

Preparation of Rasakriya

Rasakriya is the form of preparation of the aqueous extract of the plant materials used by the Ayurvedic Physicians. In this the 1 part of the drug(s) are made into coarse powder and boiled with 16 parts of water till only 4 parts of water remains. Then it is filtered and the filtrate is again heated on a low flame till it becomes semi-solid. This semisolid mixture is again dried in shade or drier to get a solid mass of extract. This is called as Rasakriya.[10]

Rasakriya is indicated for Shodhana and Ropana effects:

  • Shodhana Rasakriya is applied to Sthiramamsi and Dushta Vrana.
  • Ropana Rasakriya is applied to Sandhisthita, Pittaja, Raktaja and Abhighataj Vrana.[11]

Daruharidra Rasakriya

Daruharidra (Berberis aristata) is an important drug mentioned in classical texts of Ayurveda. It has Tikta, Kashaya Rasa; Laghu, Rookshaguna; Katu Vipaka and Ushna Veerya. The root bark of Daruharidra contains Berberine, quarternary ammonium salt of isoquinoline alkaloid. It has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-diabetic properties. The qualities and uses of Daruharidra are:

  • Vranajit (Wound healing)
  • Mehajit (Cures diabetes)
  • Shopha (Swelling) Hara
  • Kandu Kushtha (Pruritus and Skin disorder) Hara
  • Kaphaabhishyanda (conjunctivitis) Hara[12]

Preparation:

Daruharidraraskriya is obtained by boiling the decoction of roots of Daruharidra until it becomes thick (Ghana Avastha).


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It is then cooled and this semi hard Daruharidra Rasakriya is obtained. This is then applied over the Vrana.[10]

Aim and Objectives

Aim

To study the clinical efficacy of Daruharidra Rasakriya and its role in the management of Dushta Vrana (Chronic non-healing ulcers).

Objectives

  • To promote healing in chronic non healing ulcers.
  • To reduce the size and depth of the ulcer.
  • To reduce the local inflammation and pain associated with the ulcer.

Material and Methods

25 patients above 18 years of age who had chronic non healing pedal ulcers (Dushtavrana) persisting for a duration more than 6 weeks were selected after informed consent for the study. All the patients underwent uniform assessment that included detailed medical history, local ulcer examination and systemic examination. ECG was conducted to rule out heart failure and ischemic heart diseases. Liver function tests and kidney function tests were performed to rule out renal and hepatic dysfunction. Some basic blood tests were conducted, including tests for ESR, CBC, HIV, HbsAg, HCV and wound cultures to look for wound infections. A wound biopsy and a detailed immunologic assay were not conducted owing to a variety of factors like the patient’s financial constraints, fear of further wound healing delay, and lack of specificity in a definitive diagnosis.

Preparation of Vrana Lepa

Ingredients used are Daruharidra Rasakriya and Madhu. Before application of medicine, Vranalepa is prepared by mixing Daruharidra and honey into a fine paste.

Application:

The wound is cleaned with normal saline. After drying with sterile gauze, Vranalepa is applied over the wound followed by sterile pads as absorbent layer. The dressing is secured with bandages without compromising the circulation.

Inclusion Criteria

  • Patients between the age of 18-70 years were selected for the study.
  • Patients irrespective of their sex, occupation, were selected for the study.
  • Patients having clinical features of Nija/Agantuja Dushta Vranae., foul smell, pus discharge, pain, burning sensation and edema were selected for study.

Exclusion Criteria

  • Patients suffering from systemic diseases like uncontrolled Diabetes mellitus were excluded from the study.
  • Patients with co-existing medical conditions such as heart failure, chronic liver disease, chronic renal disease, and chronic infectious diseases like tuberculosis (TB), HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C were excluded from the study.
  • Patients suffering from grave conditions like malignant ulcers, Marjulin ulcers etc. were also excluded.
  • Patients on prolonged medication with corticosteroid, antidepressants, anticholinergics, immune suppressants, estrogen replacement therapy etc. or any other drugs that may have an influence on the outcome of the study.

Duration of treatment
Total 4 follow ups were taken of each patient in two months with first follow-up after 1 week and other 3 follow ups each after a gap of two weeks i.e.,

  • Day 0 = Enrolment Day
  • Day 7 = First follow-up
  • Day 21 = Second follow-up
  • Day 35 = Third follow-up
  • Day 49 = Fourth follow-up

In the first week , dressing was done every day , for the next 2 weeks dressing was done every alternate day, then dressing was done twice a week for the next 2 weeks followed by once a week dressing in the next two weeks if required.

Statistical data of the selected patients

Clinical observations from different aspects of treatment have been represented showing statistical analysis according to various factors like occupation, Gender, Age, type of ulcer and Addiction.


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Assessment Criteria

Pain at the ulcer site

G0:Absence of pain, warmth, surrounding tissue edema

G1:Mild pain without surrounding tissue edema

G2:Moderate pain with mild surrounding tissue edema

G3:Increased pain with warmth and surrounding tissue edema

Size of the ulcer

G0:No ulcer seen, ulcer healed

G1:Small, shallow ulcer (<2cm in diameter)

G2:Larger ulcer (2-6cm in diameter)

G3:Extensive, deep ulcer (> 6 cm in diameter)

Exudate from the ulcer

G0:No exudate

G1:Minimal exudate

G2:Moderate exudate

G3:Heavy exudate, Malodorous

Base of the ulcer

G0:Healed

G1:Granulomatous

G2:Necrotic

G3:Eschar


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Observation and Results

Table 1: Scoring pattern before treatment

Assessment CriteriaNumber of Patients
G0G1G2G3
Pain5983
Size02149
Exudate16117
Base04165

Table 2: Scoring pattern after treatment

Assessment CriteriaNumber of Patients
G0G1G2G3
Pain15730
Size9862
Exudate13840
Base121120

Figure 1: Number of patients showing improvement after each follow-up

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Before Treatment
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After Treatment

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Overall efficacy in percentage = 78.875%

Table 3: Efficacy of Daruharidra Rasakriya in management of different aspects of Vrana

Assessment CriteriaNo. of Patient BTNo. of Patient ATImprovementEfficacy In % Age
Pain2041680%
Size2571872%
Exudate2432187.5%
Base2561976%

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Discussion

Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine, is well-known for its wound-healing properties, especially in the treatment of ulcers. When applied as a Lepa (paste), its mode of action in ulcer healing can be understood through several mechanisms:

Antimicrobial action: Daruharidra contains berberine, a potent alkaloid with strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Palmitine & berberines both have bactericidal action & glycosides have anti-infective activity which combated infection & thus prevented infections in wound, which is crucial for proper healing.

Anti-inflammatory effect: The paste reduces local inflammation. Tannins, anthraquinones, berberine, and phytosterols - all are anti-inflammatory and thus prevented prolongation of initial phase and reduced pain as well as tenderness, redness, swelling like features, which led to progress of wound toward healing.

Antioxidant activity: Daruharidra is rich in antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals in the ulcer site. Tannins and anthraquinones are known antioxidants and blood purifiers with anti-inflammatory actions. As the oxidation process hampers the wound healing, antioxidants protect the tissue from the oxidative damage, promoting faster tissue regeneration and repair.

Astringent action: Its astringent properties help in reducing exudate and drying the ulcer surface, which aids in faster wound closure and healing.

Promotion of granulation tissue formation: The use of Daruharidra Lepa promotes the growth of healthy granulation tissue, which is essential for the wound-healing process and helps in re-epithelialization. Tannins and phytosterols promoted the healing process by wound contraction with increased capillary formation and fibroblast proliferation, followed by enhanced rate of epithelialization.

Analgesic effect: It may help in reducing the pain associated with ulcers due to its analgesic properties. In summary, Daruharidra Lepa heals ulcers by reducing infection, inflammation, and oxidative stress, while promoting tissue regeneration and wound closure.

Conclusion

An ulcer which is present for more than three months is considered as chronic ulcer. Vranalepa can be used effectively in the management of Dushta Vrana (chronic non healing ulcers). It helps avoid the painful procedure of debridement of slough in those who are unable to tolerate pain. It also does the action of Shodhana and Ropana. It does not only remove the unhealthy granulation tissue, but also improves wound healing with minimal scarring. Thus, it works by both its Vranashodhana and Vranaropana properties.

Local application of Daruharidra Rasakriya provided good result by reduction of the wound size and promotion of healing, and it proved to be cosmetically effective with least scar formation also. Pigmentation similar to that of skin was found as another added effect. No untoward effects were observed during the course of treatment. The clinical features were majorly improved in 3 weeks. The overall efficacy of Daruharidra Rasakriya was found to be 78.875%. It showed that Daruharidra Raskriya significantly helped in reduction of the signs and symptoms of the Dushta Vrana, enhancing wound healing process and reducing the morbidity of the patients.

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