Role of Panchkarma in Psoriasis – A Case Study

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder comparable to Eka Kushta in Ayurveda. Modern treatments often provide only symptomatic relief, with risks of relapse and side effects. Ayurveda emphasizes root-cause management through Panchkarma and Shamana Chikitsa. To evaluate the role of Panchkarma in the management of chronic psoriasis through a single case study. A 25-year-old female patient with chronic psoriasis for over 11 years was treated with classical Panchkarma procedures including Vamana (therapeutic emesis) and Virechana (therapeutic purgation) along with Shamana Chikitsa (palliative therapy) and Nidan Parivarjan (avoidance of etiological factors). The reported PASI score decreased from 28.10 at baseline to 10.50 after Vamana and 0.50 after Virechana, representing reductions of 62.63% and 98.22% from baseline, respectively. DLQI scores obtained using completed questionnaires decreased from 18 to 8 and then 1, corresponding to reductions of 55.56% and 94.44% from baseline. Significant improvement was observed in itching, scaling, cracks, burning, and dryness within weeks, with no major side effects. This case demonstrates the potential of a classical Panchkarma approach in managing chronic psoriasis, providing long-term relief and improved quality of life.

Psoriasis, Eka Kushta, Panchakarma, Vamana, Virechana, Ayurveda

1. Parisi R., Symmons D.P., Griffiths C.E., Ashcroft D.M. Global epidemiology of psoriasis: a systematic review of incidence and prevalence. J Invest Dermatol. 2013;133(2):377–385. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Armstrong A.W., Read C. Pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of psoriasis: a review. JAMA. 2020;323(19):1945–1960. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. National Psoriasis Foundation. Psoriasis statistics. https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/statistics/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Rendon A., Schäkel K. Psoriasis pathogenesis and treatment. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(6):1475. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Griffiths C.E.M., Barker J.N. Psoriasis. In: Rook’s Textbook of Dermatology. 9th ed. Wiley-Blackwell; 2016. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 7, Kustha Chikitsa. By Pandit Kashinath Pandey and Dr. Gorakhnath Chaturvedi. Published by Chaukamba Sanskrit Prathisthan. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Sushruta Samhita, Nidana Sthana 5, Kustha Nidana. Translated by Kaviraj Dr. Ambikadatta Shastri. Published by Chaukamba Sanskrit Prathisthan. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Ashtanga Hridayam, Nidana Sthana 14, Kustha Nidana. Translated by KR Srikantha Murthy. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. PV Sharma. Dravyaguna Vijnana. Chaukhamba Bharati Academy. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Patwardhan B., Warude D., Pushpangadan P., Bhatt N. Ayurveda and psoriasis: an integrative understanding. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2005. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Dogra S., Yadav S. Psoriasis in India: prevalence and pattern. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2010;76(6):595–601. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Assessment of the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Repositioning TVET for Economic Development in Nigeria
• Teachers’ Use of Assure Model Instructional Design on Learners’ Problem Solving Efficacy in Secondary Schools in Bungoma County, Kenya
• “E-Booksan Ang Kaalaman”: Development, Validation, and Utilization of Electronic Book in Academic Performance of Grade 9 Students in Social Studies
• Analyzing EFL University Students’ Academic Speaking Skills Through Self-Recorded Video Presentation
• Major Findings of The Study on Total Quality Management in Teachers’ Education Institutions (TEIs) In Assam – An Evaluative Study