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Ayurvedic Management of Filariasis

Filariasis is a chronic debilitating disease commonly found in coastal areas and areas lying along the course of big rivers. It is endemic in Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and is spreading gradually to other parts of the country. The disease is caused by infection with filarial parasite- ‘Wuchereria boncrofti’. After infection, the disease remains dormant without any overt clinical manifestation, though the microfilaria may be circulating in the blood, the clinical manifestations such as fever, recurrent lymphadinitis and lymphangitis, with edema of the affected parts are noted during acute attacks. Though the lower limbs and the scrotum are commonly affected the disease may attack any part of the body. The recurrent attacks cause hardening of the edema leading to deformities of the affected parts. The disease causes functional impairment of varying degrees often-total incapacitation. It is heartening to note that the scholars of Ayurveda have identified epidemeology, pathogenesis, manifestations and management of this disease hundreds of years ago under Slipada. 

The CCRAS has taken up a number of studies and many therapies have been evaluated. The epidemeology of disease has also been studied in selected villages/areas.

Clinical studies

The door-to-door survey work taken up as per WHO proforma on about 400 persons in villages. It was noted that about 25% of the population in coastal areas were suffering from various forms of the disease. Lack of proper protective measures, water logging and living in unhygienic conditions contributed to its high incidence. Younger people suffered from micro-filaria while the elders suffered from manifest forms of the disease.

Study-I:

The three drugs Ayush-64, Saptaparna Ghanavati and Nityananda Rasa have been evaluated on 93 patients of micro- filaria.

Dose:

Ayush-64 (Saptaparna, Kiratatika, Katuki, Latakaranja) 2 tablet (500 mg) thrice daily with water for 2 weeks.

Saptaparna Ghana Vati, 2 tab. (500 mg. each) thrice daily with water for 2 weeks.

Nityananda Rasa, 2 tab. (500 mg. each) thrice daily with water for 2 weeks.

The Saptaparna Ghanawati was most effective in (91%) elimination of the parasite while the Nityananda Rasa was least effective (26%).

Study-II:

Various combinations of Sudarsana Ghanavati have been studied on over 900 patients suffering from chronic, swelling/deformities, the results were assessed on the basis of reduction in the size and volume of the swelling, the feeling of general well being and functional improvement.

Dose

i) Sudarsana Churna 3 gm.thrice daily with warm water. 
ii) Punarnavadyarista 20 ml. with water after meals twice daily. 
iii) Sudarsana Ghanavati 700 mg. thrice daily with water for 4 weeks. 
iv) Sudarsana Ghanavati 500 mg. thrice daily with water after food. 
v) Punarnavadyarista – 20 ml. twice daily with water after food. 
vi) Sudarsana Ghanvati 500 mg. thrice daily with water. 
vii) Ayush-55 (500 mg. each)- 2 tablets thrice daily with water. 
viii) Punarnavadirista – 25 ml. twice daily with water after food. 

Out of 690 patients who completed the treatment about 65% showed positive response.

Conclusion

Above treatments provided relief to a great extent.

SOURCE   http://ccras.nic.in/Research_Actvities/20081015_filiarisis.htm

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