A clinical study of some Ayurvedic compound drugs in the assessment quality of life of patients with Eka Kushtha (psoriasis)

Psoriasis is a chronic disease that can have substantial psychological and social impact on patient's life. Psoriasis has been shown to affect health-related Quality of Life to an extent similar to the effects of other chronic diseases such as depression, myocardial infarction, hypertension, etc. The modern treatment options not only provide temporary relief but also have serious side effects. Thus, the chronic and recurring nature of the disease hampers the Quality of Life to a great extent. In the present study, patients were randomly divided into two groups. Koshtha Shuddhi was done by Eranda bhrushta haritaki (6 g at night with ushnodaka) in patients of both the groups for 3 days before starting the treatment. A total of 111 patients were selected for the present study and were grouped into two. Patients of group A (45) were given “Navayasa rasayana leha” and “Dhatryadhyo lepa” for external application. Stress is a well-known precipitating factor of Psoriasis. Hence, to study the efficacy of Medhya rasayana drugs, patients of group B (49) were given Medhya rasayana tablet along with the application of Dhatryadhyo lepa. The duration of the study was 3 months and follow-up was done for one month. Both the groups showed equally good results on improving the quality of life in the patients in terms of Dermatology life quality index and Psoriasis disability index.