Randomized Comparative study to evaluate the efficacy of Khadirashtak kwatha and Brihat manjishtadi kwath in Ekakushta w s r Plaque psoriasis

Ekakushta is one among eleven varieties of kshudrakusthas described in Ayurvedic classics. lt is characterized by Aswedanam (Anhydrotic/hypohydratic lesions), Mahavastu (covering of large surface area), Matsyashakalopamam(scaly lesions), Twacha which bears a greater resemblance with the symptoms of plaque psoriasis.

According to Charaka, the type of Kushtha which does not sweat, extensively spreads and resemble in the form of fish scale is known as Ekakustha. Ekakustha is Raktapradosaj vikara. The Doshadhikya of this disease is Vata-Kaphapradhan

It is described as one of the chronic disorders (Dirgha-Roga) by *Acharya Charaka.*According to Sushruta it is the type of Kshudrakushta in which the entire body become blackished.

Psoriasis is a common papulo-squamous disorder affecting 2% of the population and is characterized by well demarcated, red, scaly plaques. The skin becomes inflamed and hyper proliferates at about ten times the normal rate. It affects males and females equally and can involve all races. Psoriasis is T-lymphocyte-driven disorder that is a response to unidentified antigen. Un-identified triggers or infective agents like bacteria, HIV, drugs induce antigens which are presented to T lymphocytes by Langerhans cells of skin leading to a T cell activation activated cytokines that promote dermal inflammation and result into hyper-proliferation of epidermis.

Different patterns of psoriasis are recognized and can occur together, Certain drugs can make psoriasis worse; notably lithium, antimalarials and beta-blockers. Chronic plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. It is characterized by pink-red, well demarcated plaques, with a silver scale seen especially on extensor surfaces of the knees and elbows.

Psoriasis is considered as a type of Kushta and may be correlated as Ekakushtha due to resemblance of signs and symptoms. In which both genetic and environmental influences have a critical role. The most characteristic lesions consist of red, scaly, sharply demarcated, and present particularly over extensor surfaces and scalp. There are many treatments available but because of its chronic recurrent nature psoriasis is a challenge to treat "Kustha is described as one of the most chronic disorders (Dirgha-Roga) by Acharya Charaka

GroupA-Khadirashtaka kwatha will be administered at the dosage of 40ml twice daily with lukewarm water one hour before meals.

Group B-Brihat Manjishtadi Kwathawill be administered at the dosage of 40ml twice daily with pippali and guggulu one hour before meals.

The study design is single-centred,open label,randomized,comparative,interventional study

---

---