Abstract

CLINICAL EVALUATION OF YASTHIMADHU GHRITA PRATISARANA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ORAL SUBMUCOUS FIBROSIS (OSMF): A CASE REPORT

Dr. Ankit Sharma*, Siva Kumar C. S.

Abstract

Background: Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, progressive, debilitating, and potentially malignant disorder of the oral cavity characterized by juxta-epithelial inflammatory changes followed by progressive fibrosis of the lamina propria and deeper connective tissues. The disease results in reduced mouth opening, burning sensation, intolerance to spicy food, impaired mastication, and deterioration in the patient's quality of life. Habitual chewing of areca nut and commercially available preparations such as gutkha and pan masala remains the principal etiological factor, particularly in the Indian subcontinent.[1-3] Despite numerous available treatment modalities, long-term therapeutic outcomes remain inconsistent, and recurrence is common. Ayurveda emphasizes disease management through correction of the underlying pathological process rather than symptomatic relief alone. Among the local therapeutic procedures described in Ayurvedic classics, Pratisarana is considered an effective treatment for diseases affecting the oral cavity. Yasthimadhu Ghrita, owing to its Ropana (healing), Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), Vedanasthapana (analgesic), Rasayana (rejuvenative), and Varnya properties, may play an important role in improving the clinical manifestations of OSMF.[2,9] Case Presentation: A 25-year-old male presented to the Outpatient Department of Shalakya Tantra with complaints of progressive reduction in mouth opening, burning sensation during consumption of spicy food, oral mucosal stiffness, and recurrent oral ulceration. Clinical examination revealed blanching of the bilateral buccal mucosa with palpable fibrous bands and an initial inter-incisal distance of 17 mm. The patient underwent Kaya Shuddhi using Erand Bhrishta Haritaki Churna (10 g once daily for five days) followed by Yasthimadhu Ghrita Pratisarana for six weeks. Results: After completion of therapy, the inter-incisal distance improved from 17 mm to 22 mm, representing a clinically meaningful increase in mouth opening. Burning sensation reduced remarkably, oral mucosal colour changed from blanched to healthy pinkish appearance, and no recurrence of oral ulcers was observed during the treatment period. No adverse drug reactions or treatment-related complications were reported. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that Yasthimadhu Ghrita Pratisarana, administered following Kaya Shuddhi, may offer beneficial clinical outcomes in the management of Oral Submucous Fibrosis. The observed improvements suggest that this Ayurvedic therapeutic approach has potential as a safe and effective supportive treatment. Nevertheless, larger controlled clinical studies are required to establish its efficacy and long-term therapeutic benefits.

Keywords: Oral Submucous Fibrosis, OSMF, Yasthimadhu Ghrita, Pratisarana, Ayurveda, Mukharoga, Case Report.