Article: AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS (PITTAJA GRAHANI): A CASE REPORT

Article Category: Case Reports

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.15230

Pages: 16-21

Author: Anand Revanasiddappa Jalawadi *, Vasantha B, Muttappa Totad, Harish M Hadapad, Merlyn T Jones

Abstract: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a form of chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterised by inflammation of the mucosa and submucosa in the colon, relapsing and remitting. It has a reported incidence of 9-20 cases per 100,000 people annually and can significantly impact both mental and physical health, causing distress to patients. Here is a case report of a 45-year-old female who presented with symptoms including increased frequency of defecation (7 times/day) with mucus discharge, bloody stool, abdominal pain, reduced appetite, general debility, weight loss (>5 kg) and mental distress persisting for one year. She was found to be anaemic (Hb 6.8 gm%), and her pulse rate was 105 bpm. The colonoscopy report showed multiple superficial ulcers with erythematous mucosa, and a biopsy confirmed chronic active colitis. This case was diagnosed as Pittaja Grahani with Pandu (anaemia). The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Ayurvedic management in treating ulcerative colitis (Pittaja Grahani). Therapeutic measures included Ayurvedic oral medications and procedures such as abhyanga (oil massage), parisheka (sudation), takradhara, takra basti (buttermilk enema), pathyahara and yoga. Clinical parameters were assessed on the 1^st, 12^th and 45^th day using the Truelove and Witts severity index scale for Ulcerative Colitis and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) depression severity score. Improvements were observed in the frequency of defecation, bloody stool, pulse rate, general debility, and appetite throughout treatment. The results indicate marked alleviation of Ulcerative colitis symptoms with Ayurvedic management, suggesting its potential as a practical therapeutic approach in managing this condition.

Keyword: Ayurveda, Pittaja Grahani, Ulcerative Colitis, Takra Basti, Pathyahara, Yoga.