A comparative clinical study to assess the efficacy of aragwadhadi lepa and dhatryadi yoga in kitibha kushtha w.s.r to psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory, hyper proliferation skin disease that significantly affects patients quality of life. Psoriasis affects approximately 1.5- 3% of Caucasians but is less common in Asian, South American and African populations. It occurs equally in both genders and at any age; more than 50% of patients present before the age of 30 years. The age of onset follows a bimodal distribution, with an early-onset type in the teenage or early adult years, often with a family history of psoriasis. The later onset type is typically seen between 50 and 60 years, usually without a family history and with a less severe disease course. It affects approximately 2-3 % of the global population is characterized by a relapsing, remitting course. Despite the availability of various modern therapeutic modalities such as topical steroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics complete remission remains challenging, and long-term use is often associated with adverse effects, high cost, and the risk of relapse. Therefore, there is a growing interest in safer, affordable, and more sustainable therapeutic options. In Ayurveda, Kitibha Kushtha closely resembles the clinical features of psoriasis, including scaling, dryness, discoloration, and chronicity. Classical Ayurvedic texts emphasize both Bhahya Chikitsa (external therapy) and Abhyantara Chikitsa (internal therapy) in the management of Kushtha. In this study, an attempt will be made to provide patients with a safe, effective, and affordable form of preventive and curative management through the use of Aragwadhadi Lepa and Dhatryadi Yoga. Although both formulations are mentioned for skin disorders, comparative evidence based clinical studies evaluating their individual and combined efficacy in Kitibha Kushtha (psoriasis) are limited. Thus the study is necessary to bridge the gap between classical Ayurvedic knowledge and modern clinical evidence, contributing to the development of effective, holistic management strategies for psoriasis /Kitibha Kushtha.