An Open Label Randomized Controlled Clinical Study On The Evaluation Of The Efficacy Of Vachalashunadi Taila Ear Drops In Otomycosis (Kaphaja Karna Roga)

Otomycosis is described as the superficial and diffuse fungal infection of the external auditory canal. It is more commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. The fungal species that are frequently involved are the Aspergillus niger and *Candida albicans.*The symptoms observed are pruritis, feeling of fullness in the ear canal, pain, discharge from the ears and hearing loss.

In Ayurveda, Karna rogas has been explained by various Acharyas. Avasyaya (exposure to cold environment), Jalakreeda (swimming), Mithya yogena shastrasya (improper instrumentation) and Shira snana (regularly taking head bath) have been described as the Nidanas (causative factors) for the Karna rogas. Acharya Charaka explained four Karna rogas, out of which Kaphaja Karna roga includes symptoms such as Kandu (itching), Vaishrutya (decreased hearing), Shukla shruti (whitish discharge) and Alpa ruk (mild pain). The main line of treatment of Kaphaja Karna roga includes Kaphahara Upakramas such as Teekshna nasya, Teekshna dhooma, Nadisweda, Vamana etc. Sthanika (local) Upakramas include Karna parimarjana, Karna poorana, Karna pichu.

In the Modern science, the treatment of Otomycosis includes local debridement, topical and systemic antifungal medications. Topical antifungal drugs include clotrimazole, nystatin etc. These drugs even though are effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of the disease, most of the cases remain uncured completely and relapsing of the disease is common. Hence, the present research is undertaken to evaluate the effect of Vachalashunadi Tailaear drops and to compare the efficacy with 1% Clotrimazole ear drops in Otomycosis (Kaphaja Karna roga).