Article: SARVANGA TVAGADI ALEPA: A CRITICAL REVIEW OF TRADITIONAL AYURVEDIC FORMULATION

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.174153

Pages: 139-143

Author: Sushmitha K *, Padmakiran C, Ravikrishna S

Abstract: Traditional knowledge preserved through folklore has served as an invaluable source of healthcare practices since ancient times. Similar to Ayurveda, folklore medicine emphasizes both the prevention and management of diseases using locally available medicinal plants and formulations. Sarvanga Tvagadi Alepa is one such traditional Ayurvedic polyherbal external lepa (medicated herbal paste) practiced by a folklore practitioner for the management of Ama (metabolic toxins/undigested metabolites)-associated Vata (functional principle governing movement) disorders, particularly inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions. The ingredients predominantly possess Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter), and Kashaya (astringent) Rasa (taste), Ushna Veerya (hot potency), and Kapha-Vatahara (pacifies Kapha and Vata) properties, which facilitate Ama Pachana (digestion and elimination of metabolic toxins) and contribute to the alleviation of pain, swelling and stiffness. Published pharmacological studies have also demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, immunomodulatory and anti-arthritic activities of the individual ingredients, providing scientific support for their traditional use. This review critically compiles the classical Ayurvedic concepts, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological evidence, and therapeutic rationale of Sarvanga Tvagadi Alepa, while highlighting the need for further analytical, pharmacological and multicentric clinical studies to establish its quality, safety, mechanism of action and therapeutic efficacy.

Keyword: Ama, Sarvanga Tvagadi Alepa, Traditional medicine.