Eranda Kshara an effective alternative for Apamarga Ksharasutra - A Case Study

Abstract

Bhagandara which is correlated to Fistula in Ano, is considered as one of the Ashta Maharoga^[1] (8 major diseases) by Acharya Susrutha, that is diseases which are difficult to cure. In modern science treatment of Bhagandara includes fistulotomy, fistulectomy, LIFT, VAAFT etc., but till date none of these methods have proven to give complete cure in fistula in ano. Kshara Sutra therapy is a parasurgical procedure which is used in fistula in ano and is mentioned by Acharya Susrutha in the context of Nadi Vrana Chikitsa Adhyaya.^[2] The Kshara Sutra therapy is found to be effective in treating Bhaganadara as it is minimal invasive procedure with least recurrence nature. Among 28 Kshara Gana mentioned in classics all drugs have been researched to assess the effectiveness by using it as Kshara Sootra and Apamarga Kshara Sutra has been standardized. Though Apamarga is proven to be effective Ksharasutra, as it is a seasonal plant its collection is found to be very difficult and makes it costly. Eranda is a drug, which is easily available throughout the year, grown abundantly everywhere in India, cost effective, from which Ksharasutra can be made easily. The present study was undertaken to assess the role of Eranda Ksharasutra in treatment of Bhagandara in a patient who approached OPD of SJIIM Hospital, Bengaluru.