Abstract

AN AYURVEDIC CLASSICAL LITERATURE REVIEW ON VATARAKTA W.S.R TO GOUT

O. P. Vyas, Hema Boryale*, Ashwini Chouhan and Janhavi Meshram

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Abstract

According to the principles of Ayurveda, both the body and diseases are composed of diet. While a wholesome diet builds the body, an unhealthy one causes diseases. Due to changing dietary habits, lack of physical activity, and various environmental factors, many diseases are emerging, including Vatarakta. These factors cause improper protein metabolism, leading to the formation of free radicals, which deposit in different body sites, causing serious diseases. Vatarakta is described as a disease involving the combination of Vata and Rakta. It occurs due to the obstruction of Vata Dosha by the aggravated Rakta Dosha. It is a condition where both Vata and Rakta are affected by distinct etiological factors. References to Vatarakta are found in Bruhattrayee and other ancient texts. Based on etiological factors and symptoms, Vatarakta can be correlated to gouty arthritis, a disorder of defective purine metabolism characterized by hyperuricemia and deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints. This chronic metabolic disorder of the musculoskeletal system presents with severe pain, tenderness, inflammation, and burning sensation in affected joints. Historically known as "The disease of Kings," it is associated with sedentary lifestyles. Due to its severe morbidity, chronicity, and lack of cure in modern medicine, managing Vatarakta is a significant challenge for Ayurvedic physicians. Therefore, understanding the concept of Vatarakta is crucial before attempting its management.  Prevalence Gout is seen in only 10% of patients of hyper uricemia.  The incidence of Gout varies in population from 0.2 to 3.5 per 1000, with an overall prevalence of 2 to 26 per 1000.  It is rare in children and premenopausal females. The peak age of onset in male is between 40-50 years.

Keywords: Ayurveda, vatarakta, Uttana, Gambhira, Gouty arthritis.