To study the role of Ashtadasha Viruddha Ahara in the etiopathogenesis of Ekakushtha with special reference to Psoriasis-A case control study

Present work is a case control study for which 48 subjects had been recruited in each group to assess the Ashtadsha Viruddha Ahara in the context of Ekakushtha. In case group, patients of Ekakushtha diagnosed according to presence of general symptoms of Ekakushtha like Aswedanam (absence of sweat), Mahavastu (which covers large area) and Matsyashakalawat twacha (skin resembles scales of fish) are considered along with the current gold standard for assessment of extensive psoriasis i.e. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) between the age of 18 yrs to 60 yrs. and chronicity 2 yr. were enrolled. Whereas in control group age and gender matched healthy individuals were selected. A closed ended questionnaire containing demographic details, Ashthadasha Viruddha Ahara on the basis of classics and present times with relevant examinations was prepared and used for data collection. In both group hemoglobin, complete blood count, fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, renal profile, were carried out to rule out any other pathology condition.

Obtained data from survey of case and control groups had been presented in tabular form and statistical tests such as chi square, odds ratio and confidence interval (CI) were applied and interpreted. In this study, maximum participants observed were of age group 51-60 yrs. (case and control- 29.16 each), male (case and control-52.1% each), Hindu (case-91.67%, control- 93.75%), married (case-77.1%, control- 83.33%), urban resident (case- 56.3%, control- 45.83%), Jangala Desha (case- 97.6%, control- 83.33%), graduate (case- 37.5%, control- 47.91%), housewife (case- 37.09%, control-32.25%) and middle class (case- 64.6% , control-75% and 80.64% respectively).

on comparing the data from case and control group both (OR and chi square are highly significant for Paka Viruddha Ahara (OR – 9.0 chi square 20.3) Matra Viruddha Ahara (OR 10.52 chi square 26.3) Vidhi Viruddha Ahara ( OR 11.4 , chi square 28.2 ) Desha Viruddha Ahara ( OR 18.8, chi square 35.8 ) Kostha Viruddha Ahara ( OR 21, chi square 38.09) significant for Samyoga Viruddha Ahara ( OR 3.7, chi square 9.5 ) Kala Viruddha Ahara (OR 2.6, chi square 5.15 ) Parihara Viruddha Ahara ( OR 10.4 ,chi square 12.0 ) Upchara Viruddha Ahara ( OR 20.35 chi square 8.72) Virya Viruddha Ahara ( OR 4.1 chi square 8.7 ) Krama Viruddha Ahara ( OR 10.12, chi square 8.7 ) Samskara Viruddha Ahara ( OR 10.12 ,chi square 15.03) Sampada Viruddha Ahara ( OR 47, chi square 28.61 ) Hridya Viruddha Ahara ( OR 28.20 ,chi square 18.96 ) Agni Viruddha Ahara ( OR 3.66, chi square 4.8 ) Dosha Viruddha Ahara ( OR 7.27 chi square 14.89 ) insignificant for Satmya Viruddha Ahara ( OR 0.31, chi square 1.04 ) Avastha Viruddha Ahara (OR 1.69 chi square 1.56 ).

It shows that Ashtadasha Viruddha Ahara play significant role for manifestation of diseases.

Thus, we can conclude null hypothesis is rejected and alternate hypothesis i.e., there is a positive role of Ashtadasha Viruddha Ahara in the etipathogenesis of Ekakushtha with special reference to Psoriasis is accepted.