DOI: 10.4103/jras.jras_181_25 ISSN: 2456-5601

Role of Ayurveda therapeutic approach in systemic sclerosis: A case report

Ramneek Kaur, Amrish Dedge, Jonah Sandrepogu
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Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by progressive fibrosis, vascular abnormalities, and multiorgan involvement. Its management remains challenging, necessitating integrative therapeutic approaches. Ayurvedic interventions aim to restore Dosha equilibrium and provide a comprehensive therapeutic approach that may help in managing both systemic and organ-specific manifestations of the disease.

PATIENT INFORMATION:

A 47-year-old female with a known diagnosis of diffuse SSc for the past 1 year presented with widespread blackish skin discoloration, generalized swelling, knee and heel pain, dyspnea on exertion, and intermittent joint pain with stiffness. She also complained of gastrointestinal disturbances, including excessive belching, loss of appetite, and nausea. The diagnosis of SSc was established based on clinical findings and disease-specific serological markers, including anti-centromere, anti-Scl-70, and anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies, in accordance with the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism classification criteria. The patient had received no regular treatment before the Ayurvedic intervention.

THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION:

The patient underwent an Ayurvedic treatment regimen for 20 days, comprising Amruttotra Kwatha (30 mL started twice daily with lukewarm water before a meal), Brihat Manjisthadi Kwatha (20 mL twice a day before meals), Haritaki Churna (3 g once a day at night time), Chitrakadi Vati (two tablets twice a day), Arogyavardini Vati (two tablets twice a day), and Bhuinimbadi Kasaya (30 mL twice a day) along with external therapies like Sarvanga Abhyanga with Madhuyashtyadi Taila and Sarvangakasaya Dhara .

RESULTS:

Following 20 days of inpatient treatment and follow-up, the patient showed improvement in key manifestations of SSc, including reduced skin tightness, itching, peripheral edema, joint pain, and stiffness, as well as improved mobility and daily functioning. Clinical examination revealed improved skin texture and hydration, along with reduced restriction of joint movement. Objective findings included reductions in inflammatory markers, with C-reactive protein decreasing from 6.3 to 0.3 mg/dL and ESR from 75 to 52 mm/h. Metabolic parameters also improved, including fasting blood glucose (121–105 mg/dL), postprandial blood glucose (145–107 mg/dL), and triglycerides (573–308 mg/dL). No adverse events were observed during the treatment period.

CONCLUSION:

This case suggests the potential role of Ayurvedic therapeutic interventions in the symptomatic management of SSc. Improvement in selected clinical symptoms and inflammatory markers was observed following treatment. The Ayurvedic understanding of the disease as a systemic disorder involving Dosha imbalance and impaired tissue homeostasis provided the basis for therapeutic planning. However, as this is a single case report, further well-designed clinical studies are required to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes of such interventions in SSc.

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