A case study on the management of dry gangrene by Kaishore Guggulu, Sanjivani Vati and Dashanga Lepa

Gangrene is a type of tissue death caused by lack of blood supply. Symptoms may include a change in skin color red or black, numbness, swelling, pain, ulceration and detachment of local skin. The feet and hands are most commonly affected. This condition may arise because of an injury, infection or other health conditions, majorly diabetes. Gangrene and its associated amputations are clinically challenging, but Ayurveda offers therapy options. In Ayurveda, gangrene can be considered as Kotha under Dushta Vrana due to Margavarana and Dhatu Kshaya. This case study aims to investigate whether Ayurvedic intervention can manage Kotha (gangrene) without amputation of the gangrenous part. A 45-year old woman came to the outpatient department (OPD) of Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Drug Development, Gwalior, with clinical features indicative of dry gangrene. She was examined and diagnosis was confirmed by previous reports of X-ray and arterial color doppler. This case of dry gangrene was managed by Ayurvedic intervention of Kaishore Guggulu 1 g twice a day and Sanjivani Vati 250 mg thrice a day and Dashanga Lepa local application as a Lepa twice a day with lukewarm cow Ghrita for 2 months at OPD level. The response to the treatment was found highly effective. At the end of the treatment period of 2 months as compared with baseline, a highly significant change was observed. Kaishore Guggulu, Sanjivani Vati and Dashanga Lepa in the above-mentioned dose were found very effective and safe in a patient of dry gangrene.