Ayurvedic Management of Plaque Psoriasis (Ekakushtha) with Guggulu Tiktaka Ghrita Matra Basti: A Case Series

Abstract

Plaque psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease characterised by well-defined erythematous plaques covered with silvery-white scales and a relapsing clinical course.  In Ayurvedic literature, its clinical presentation closely resembles Ekakushtha.  Acharya Charaka has described the cardinal features of Ekakushtha as Aswedana, Mahavastu and Matsyashakalopama. The present case series was undertaken to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Guggulu Tiktaka Ghrita Matra Basti in the management of plaque psoriasis (Ekakushtha). Five clinically diagnosed patients received 60 mL of Guggulu Tiktaka Ghrita as Matra Basti once daily for 14 consecutive days.  No internal medication or topical application was used. Clinical response was assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and changes in itching, scaling, erythema and plaque thickness. The mean PASI score decreased from 8.80 to 0.66, representing an overall improvement of 92.50%. Complete relief was observed in itching, scaling, and erythema, while plaque thickness improved by 84.21%. The mean DLQI score improved from 17.60 to 2.00, indicating an 88.64% improvement in quality of life. No adverse events were reported during the study. The findings of this case series indicate that Guggulu Tiktaka Ghrita Matra Basti may be a safe and effective Ayurvedic intervention for plaque psoriasis (Ekakushtha).