A Clinico Anatomical Study of Raktavaha Srotomula WSR to Hepatosplenomegaly

The proposed clinical study titled “A Clinico-Anatomical Study of Raktavaha Srotomoola with Special Reference to Hepatosplenomegaly” is designed to explore the Ayurvedic and modern understanding of hepatosplenomegaly, correlating classical concepts of Raktavaha Srotas with clinical, anatomical, and pathological findings.

In Ayurveda, health is maintained by the equilibrium of dosha, dhatu, and mala, and their circulation through srotas (channels). Among them, Raktavaha Srotas play a vital role in the transport and transformation of blood. Classical texts identify Yakrit (liver) and Pleeha (spleen) as its roots (moola), while Sushruta additionally includes Raktavahi Dhamanis. Disorders of these channels (Raktavaha Srotodushti) manifest as hepatosplenomegaly, jaundice, anemia, splenic enlargement, and skin disorders. With sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, and rising metabolic diseases, the incidence of liver and spleen disorders such as NAFLD, chronic hepatitis, and portal hypertension is increasing globally, making this study highly relevant.

The research will be conducted under three major components:

1. Literary Study – Comprehensive review of Vedas, Samhitas (Charaka, Sushruta, Kashyapa, Sharangadhara), and commentaries, along with modern medical literature to establish a comparative framework of Raktavaha Srotas, their moola, functions, and disorders.
2. Cadaveric Study – Dissection-based exploration of liver and spleen structures to establish anatomical correlations with Ayurvedic concepts of Raktavaha Srotomoola.
3. Clinical Study – A minimum of 40 patients (age 18–60 years) presenting with clinical features of hepatosplenomegaly and symptoms of Raktavaha Srotodushti (jwara, panduta, kamla, pleeha vriddhi, shyavata, etc.) will be enrolled from OPD/IPD of State Ayurvedic College, Lucknow. Modern investigations including ultrasonography (USG), liver function tests (SGOT, SGPT, alkaline phosphatase, serum bilirubin) will be employed to confirm diagnosis and evaluate disease status.

Inclusion criteria: patients aged 18–60 years with hepatosplenomegaly and serum bilirubin <10 mg/dL. Exclusion criteria: malignancy, genetic disorders, patients <18 or >60 years, and serum bilirubin >10 mg/dL.

The aims are:

• To resolve discrepancies in classical texts regarding the moola of Raktavaha Srotas.
• To correlate Ayurvedic descriptions of Raktavaha Srotodushti with clinical and anatomical findings of hepatosplenomegaly.

Objectives include compilation of classical and modern references, cadaveric verification, and clinical evaluation with statistical analysis of findings.

This study is expected to provide a holistic framework for understanding hepatosplenomegaly in the light of Ayurveda and modern medicine. It will aid in better diagnosis, interpretation, and management of liver and spleen disorders by integrating traditional concepts with contemporary diagnostic tools.