A randomized open-labelled comparative clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of oral administration of Nimbashatka choorna and Nimba malahara lepa with Vidangadi choorna and Nimba malahara lepa in Acharana yonivyapat with special reference to pruritus vulvae

Throughout history, the central role of women in society has ensured the stability, progress and longterm development of nations. Today, the median female shares of the global workplace is 45.4% wherein the role of women in the urban and rural workforce has expanded exponentially in recent decades. It is, therefore, important to focus on women and their health. In this regard, Ayurveda plays an important role in preserving the comprehensive wellbeing of a woman. And this study aims at targeting one such ailment in Gynaecology. Improper hygiene (Adhavana) of yoni leads to the formation of Jantu which in turn leads to excessive itching in the Yoni  and this condition is termed as Acharana Yonivyapath. A similar entity in modern classics, where there is excessive itching in the vulvar region is termed as Pruritus Vulvae. Pruritus Vulvae is a symptom which is experienced by not less than 10% of women attending gynecological clinics. If not treated properly, profound itching in Vulval Pruritus leads to uncontrollable scratching, which results in conditions like Lichen simplex chronicus, now called Hyperplastic vulval dystrophy. Many modern medications like anti-fungal, antibacterial, corticosteroids, local anaesthetic agents have been in use for this condition. But they have their own side effects. In Ayurvedic classics, there are many references to treat Kandu. Among them, oral administration of Nimbashatka choornaand Vidangadi choorna  is said to be effective in Pruritus Vulvae. Nimbashatka choorna contains Nimba, Kutaja, Saindhava, Hingu, Vidanga and Ramata and Vidangadi choorna with ingredients Vidanga, Triphala and Krishna are indicated in Kustha, Krimi, Meha, Nadi vrana and Bhagandara. Both the Choornas are selected for the study because of their Krimighna and Kandughna property. Nimba Malahara lepa is a topical application of medicated ointment where in the duration of drug application is more compared to lepa. Nimba being Krimihara, Kaphahara and Kandughna is the best drug of choice for Lepana. External application of Nimba added with the oral medicines facilitates easier as well as faster recovery from the symptoms. This study therefore, intends to aid diagnosis and rationalize prescribing, to find a sure shot treatment for Acharana Yonivyapath.