Background and Objectives: Kushta is one among the Asthamahagada explained by Acharya Charaka. In contemporary medicine, Dermatophytosis/tinea/ringworm which is skin fungal infection is correlated to Dadru Kushta due to similarities in their signs and symptoms. It causes itchy, red, circular rashes. Fungal infection of groin, perineal, pubic, perianal skin together known as ‘Tinea Cruris’ or Jock itch, predominant in 20–25% of total world populations. The treatment in Modern dermatology is not satisfactory due to more chances of recurrence, long duration of treatment and drug resistance. In ayurveda, the treatment modalities of kushta include Shodhana and Shamana. Patha, attributed with Kushtahara-Krimihara karma is extensively used as local application in folklore practices which need to be scientifically validated. Methodology: Physicochemical and Phytochemical analysis of the drug was carried out. 40 subjects with lakshanas of Dadru kushta (Tinea cruris) fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected for the trial under strict randomization. 20 subjects in group A were treated with Patha patra lepa with gomutra and 20 subjects in group B with Patha patra avachurnana for 30 days. Results: Phytochemical analysis of the drug showed the presence of Secondary metabolites like Alkaloids, Tannins, Flavanoids, Starch and phenolic compounds. Both the groups showed varied level of significance with good improvement in subjective and objective parameter among which group A showed better results. Conclusion: Patha patra churna was found to be effective as bahirparimarjana chikitsa. Both Patha patra lepa and Avachurnana showed similar effect among which former was better than later.
Dr. Deepika S. Chavan*1, Dr. Dharani2, Dr. Rajashekar S. Ganiger3 (Mon,) studied this question.