Prasher Aarushi’s scientific contributions

Background: Sacrococcygeal fistula, also known as Pilonidal sinus is an acute or chronic infection in the subcutaneous fatty tissue, mainly in the natal cleft. The condition, though not life threatening, is socially embarrassing and adversely affects the quality of life of patients. In Ayurvedic literature Sacrococcygeal fistula is better correlated and treated as Nadi Vrana. Acharya Sushruta had explained Para-surgical procedure with the intervention of medicated Seton (Kshara Sutra) as one of the treatment modalities. The ideal method of treatment of Sacrococcygeal fistula should be effective with a low recurrence rate, short hospital stay and economical. Aim: This study is an attempt to evaluate the efficacy of Arka Ksharasutra in the management of Sacrococcygeal fistula. Methodology: A total no. of 10 patients having signs and symptoms of Sacrococcygeal fistula were selected for Arka Ksharasutra ligation under local anesthesia and the Seton was changed every week during the entire treatment period. Results: In this study all the patients i.e.,100% were males with age between 25-35 years. The length of initial track was 3.6 to 5.5 cm and average Unit Cutting Time was 7.23 days/cm in previously non-operated cases and 11.26 days/cm in previously operated cases, average being 8.2days/cm. There was no post-operative complication and recurrence even after 3 months of follow-up. Conclusion: Arka Ksharasutra is laced with anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, bactericidal and anti- inflammatory properties which minimizes the use of antibiotics and also demolished the recurrence of symptoms.

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilo-sebaceous follicles characterised by comedones, papules, pustules, nodules and often scars mainly seen on cheeks, chin, nose, forehead and upper trunk during adolescence. The symptoms of Acne vulgaris resemble Mukhadushika as per Ayurvedic classics. Acharya Sushruta has mentioned Mukhadushika as one of the Kshudra Rogas. In Mukhadushika, there are Shalmali kantak like eruptions on the face which are impregnated with Meda caused due to vitiation of Kaphadosha, Vatadosha and Raktadhatu which destroy the beauty of the face and makes the appearance ugly. The disease almost take place in adolescent and young age group prominently therefore is also known as Yuvanapidika. Acharya Sushruta stated Jalaukavacharana is the preferred method of bloodletting in Sukumara. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of Jalaukavacharana in the management of Acne vulgaris w.s.r. to Mukhadushika. Methodology: Fourteen patients of age group 15-30 years having signs and symptoms of Mukhadushika were selected and four sittings of Jalaukavacharana on a seven day interval were given. Apart from treatment duration of 28 days, a follow-up was also done after 30 days. Results: Intervention was found to be highly significant (p<0.001) in Vedana, Kandu, Daha, number of Pidika, size of Pidika, Pidika ghanata, Shotha, Vaivarnyata. However, significant effect (p<0.05) was found in Vranavastu and non-significant result (p>0.05) was found in Srava. Conclusion: The results are satisfactory. Jalaukavacharana is proved to be an effective, time saving, affordable and acceptable treatment in Mukhadushika without causing any adverse effect.

Mutrakrichha is a disease in which Mutra is voided with much Dukha (discomfort). The word Mutrakrichha comprises of two words, Mutra and Krichha, which means Krichha pravritti of Mutravahana (difficulty in micturition). Mutrakrichha comes under the disorders of Mutravaha srotas and mainly deals with Shool (pain) and Krichhata (dysuria). Mutrakrichha can be an independent disease as well as associated symptom in other disease. In the contemporary science, the disease with similar signs and symptoms are Lower urinary tract infection. Lower urinary tract infection is the most common infection known to mankind and a common condition seen in general practice. Urinary tract infection affects more than 150 million people every year worldwide. It is well explained by all the Acharyas. Charaka has described eight types of Mutrakrichha. Acharya Sushruta in Uttra-Tantra has separately described Mutraghata and Mutrakrichha. Acharyas have mentioned drugs having antibacterial and diuretic property in Mutrakrichha chikitsa. Paniya kshara is an age old treatment modality used since ancient times. To evaluate the role of Paniya kshara in Mutrakrichha, a total of thirty patients were selected with complaints of painful micturation, fever, urgency and tenderness. Patients were given Paniya Kshara. The study revealed highly significant results in terms of pain, fever, urgency and tenderness.