Management of Vatarakta (Gouty Arthritis) in Ayurveda - A Review

Abstract

Vatarakta is a Vatapradhana Tridoshaja Vyadhi where Raakt is main Dushya. It is described under Vatavyadhi Chikitsa in Sushruta while Charaka has emphasised it in a separate chapter for Vatarakta after Vatavyadhi Chikitsa. It is a chronic and complex metabolic disorder of musculoskeletal system and characterised by severe pain, tenderness, inflammation and burning sensation in the affected joints. Vatarakta is an illness where in both Vata and Rakta are afflicted by distinct causative factors. The etiology, pathology and clinical features of Gouty Arthritis are quite similar to that of Vatarakta. Rapid modernization, Junk food culture, stressful life and urbanisation are the markers for prevalence of Vatarakta. Due to excruciating pain, inflammation, joint deformity and restricted joint movements with the risk of various complications like Chronic Kidney Disease and Urate Nephrolithiasis, it is necessary to have an overall review on all aspects of disease for treatment. Because of the morbidity, chronicity, incurability and complications, the management of Vatarakta is a difficult task. Hence an attempt has been made to focus on Shamana Aushadis and Shodhana procedures recommended in different authentic texts of Ayurveda. Evaluation of efficacy and framing certain guideline protocols for the budding Pharmaceutical and Clinical Researchers as a readymade reckoner are the main aim and objectives of this review.