Modified Picha Basti in the management of Ulcerative Colitis - A Case Report

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, relapsing and remitting inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), characterized by mucosal inflammation that typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally to involve the entire colon. It significantly impairs the quality of life and has a profound emotional and social impact on affected individuals. Despite advances in modern medicine, a completely satisfactory treatment for UC remains elusive. Methods: A 37 Year male patient visited Shalyatantra department of Sree Narayana Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research Puthoor, Kollam complaining of watery stools, blood and mucus mixed bowel and general body weakness in the last 4 years. Modified Picha Basthi (Karma Vasthi Schedule) after 7 days of Snehapana with Dadimadi Ghritha along with internal medications given. Results: After 41 days of treatment, faecal calprotein test which is highly raised (756) before treatment is found to be less than 5 after treatment. There were also good symptomatic relief and improvement in general health of the patient. Conclusion: Piccha Basti was prepared using easily available herbs and, upon administration, provided significant symptomatic relief in patients. Its Sangrahi (absorbent) and Shodhana (purificatory) properties promote healing of the colonic mucosa. Notably, hemoglobin (Hb) levels showed improvement following the Parihara Kala (post-treatment recovery period) of Basti, indicating an enhancement in the patient's overall health and vitality. This suggests that Piccha Basti not only aids in symptom management but also contributes to the general well-being of patients with ulcerative colitis. The findings of this study indicate that such an approach could potentially reduce the dependency on corticosteroids and the need for surgical interventions in the management of ulcerative colitis.