Clinical evaluation of Trivṛta powder (Operculina turpethum Linn.) and Aragvadha Patra Lepa (paste of leaves of Cassia fistula Linn.) in the management of Vicharchika (eczema)

BACKGROUND: In Ayurveda, majority of skin diseases have been mentioned under the umbrella of Kushtha and in other words, it can be listed as “Ayurvedic dermatology.” Among them, Vicharchika (eczema) included under Kshudra Kushtha, has been mentioned as curable disease, but due to relapsing nature of the disease and hazardous side effects of the modern drugs, it is difficult to manage. Ayurveda classics described a number of formulations to combat Kushtha (skin diseases) which offers effective remedy for eczema. Therefore, the attempt was done to assess the effect of Nitya Virechana (regular purgation) along with local application in its management. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of Trivritta powder along with Aragvadha Patra Lepa (paste) and Aragvadha Patra Lepa (paste) alone as local application in the management of Vicharchika (eczema). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 63 patients of Vicharchika (eczema) were selected and allocated in 2 groups, out of which 60 patients (30 patients each) completed the trial treatment. Group A received Trivritta powder (Operculina turpethum Linn.) along with local application of paste of leaves of Aragvadha (Cassia fistula Linn.) and group B received local application of Aragvadha Patra Lepa (paste) for the duration of 4 weeks. RESULTS: All calculations were calculated through ’Graph Pad In Stat 3’ software. Nitya Virechana (regular purgation) by Trivritta along with Aragvadha Patra Lepa (group A) proved more effective to control itching, discharge, burning sensation, eruption, discoloration, pain and edema of cases of Vicharchika. CONCLUSION: Treatment with Trivritta (Operculina turpethum Linn.) along with local application of paste of Aragvadha Patra Lepa is effective in reducing the symptoms of Vicharchika Kushtha (eczema).