Abstract

PATOLASHUNTHI GHRITA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF URDWAGA AMLAPITTA (GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE): A COMPREHENSIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Dr. Yasmeen A. Phanibandh, *Dr. Shankar Subhas Anchalakar

Abstract

Background: Urdwaga Amlapitta, a classical Ayurvedic disease entity characterised by the upward movement of vitiated Pitta with Kapha involvement, closely correlates with the modern clinical syndrome of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders worldwide, with a global prevalence of approximately 13– 14%, imposing substantial healtheconomic burden. Despite the widespread availability of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and potassium-competitive acid blockers (PCABs), long-term pharmacological management is limited by issues of acid rebound, nutrient malabsorption, enteric infections, and drug–drug interactions. Patolashunthi Ghrita, a medicated ghee preparation incorporating Trichosanthes dioica (Patola) and Zingiber officinale (Shunthi) processed with purified cow ghee (Go-Ghrita), represents a classical shamana (palliative) formulation prescribed in Ayurvedic literature for Amlapitta. Objective: This literature review critically examines the mechanism of action of Patolashunthi Ghrita in Urdwaga Amlapitta/GERD from four complementary perspectives: Ayurvedic classical textual analysis, phytochemical constituents of component drugs, pharmacological evidence from experimental studies, and available clinical evidence. Methods: Classical Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita, Kashyapa Samhita, Madhava Nidana, Chakradutta, Sharangadhara Samhita, Bhavaprakasha, and Yogaratnakara were reviewed. Peer-reviewed literature from PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases published between 2000 and 2024 was searched using MeSH terms and keywords. Results and Conclusion: The convergent evidence from classical references, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical studies supports the efficacy of Patolashunthi Ghrita in Urdwaga Amlapitta by mechanisms including prokinetic activity, anti-secretory and mucosal protective effects, anti-inflammatory pathways, and restoration of digestive enzymes (Agni). The formulation represents a rational, time-tested therapeutic option warranting large-scale randomised controlled trials.

Keywords: Urdwaga Amlapitta, GERD, Patolashunthi Ghrita, Trichosanthes dioica, Zingiber officinale, Go-Ghrita, Ayurvedic medicine, phytochemistry, Samprapti.