An observational pilot study on Sidma kushta in relation to Yakrit & Pliha as moola sthana of Raktavaha srotas

Abstract

Acharya Charaka has mentioned fifteen koshtanga in the shareera. Koshtanga refers to the viscera. Two koshtanga, Yakrit and Pliha, have been designated as the moola sthana (primary centres of physiological activity) of the Raktavaha srotas (haemopoiesis). The description of Yakrit & Pliha corresponds to the functions of the liver and spleen in contemporary anatomy. Kushta (skin disease) is a  Rakta prodashaja vikara (disease caused due to the vitiation of blood). Sidma Kushta, or psoriasis, is one of the eighteen kushta listed in the Samhita. Its prevalence in the Indian population ranges from 0.44 to 2.8%. Recent observational studies have shown that the prevalence of NAFLD [Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease] (as diagnosed either by imaging or by histology) is remarkably higher in psoriatic patients (occurring in up to 50% of these patients) and suggested the presence of a novel hepato dermal axis. In this pilot study, six individuals diagnosed with sidma kushta were subjected to ultrasonography of the abdomen & selected biochemical assays on the function of the liver, to observe the relationship between sidma kushta and moola sthana of raktavaha srotas.The data was statistically analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient and a correlation was observed between the fatty liver grade and the levels of ALT, AST, and blood ammonia.