Ayurvedic Management of Psoriatic Arthritis (Vatarakta)

Abstract

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory arthropathy associated with psoriasis, characterized by joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and erythematous scaly skin lesions. In Ayurveda, the clinical presentation resembles Vātarakta, a disorder resulting from vitiation of Vāta doṣa and Rakta dhātu. Case Presentation: A 24-year-old male patient presented with multiple joint pain, swelling, prolonged morning stiffness, and erythematous scaly lesions over the trunk and extremities for eight months. The patient had previously received intermittent conventional treatment with temporary symptomatic relief. Intervention: The patient was managed with Ayurvedic formulations including Panchatikta Guggulu Ghṛta, Panchatikta Guggulu, Panchanimba Cūrṇa, Panchavalkala Kwātha, and local application of medicated oils along with dietary and lifestyle modifications. Results: Marked improvement was observed in joint pain, swelling, morning stiffness, mobility, erythema, and scaling of skin lesions after completion of therapy. No adverse reactions were reported during treatment. Conclusion: Ayurvedic management based on the principles of Vātarakta cikitsā showed beneficial effects in this case of psoriatic arthritis. Further clinical studies are required to validate these findings.