Issue : 02 DOI :
INTERNATIONAL
JOURNAL
OF
DIAGNOSTICS
AND
RESEARCH
Volume : 02
Copyright @ : - Dr.Bhavika Patil Inter. J.Digno. and Research IJDRMSID00037 |ISSN :2584-2757
34
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disorder characterized by
inflammation and tissue damage mediated by autoantibodies and immune complexes. Predominantly
affecting women of childbearing age, SLE exhibits diverse symptoms, including skin rashes, joint pain,
and fatigue. From an Ayurvedic perspective, SLE closely correlates with Raktadhika Vatarakta, a
condition arising from the vitiation of Vata and Rakta due to Nidanas such as improper diet and lifestyle.
This case study explores the application of Ayurvedic principles in diagnosing and managing SLE.
A 35-year-old female patient presenting with malar rash, joint pain, and fatigue was diagnosed with
Raktadhika Vatarakta. The treatment protocol included Mridu Virechana with Nimbamrita Eranda Taila,
Guduchi Ksheera Basti, and Rasayana therapies like Guduchi Ghrita and Chyavanprash for 45 days.
Lifestyle modifications and a Pitta-pacifying diet were also recommended. Clinical improvements
included reduced rash severity, resolution of joint pain, and alleviation of fatigue. Hematological markers
such as ESR and CRP also showed significant improvement.This case highlights the efficacy of
Ayurvedic therapies in managing SLE by addressing systemic imbalances and promoting immunity
through personalized interventions. Shodhana therapies provided detoxification, while Rasayana
enhanced cellular regeneration. These findings suggest that Ayurveda offers a promising adjunct to
conventional treatments for SLE. However, further clinical trials are needed to validate these outcomes.
Keywords: Systemic lupus erythematosus, Raktadhika Vatarakta, Ayurveda, autoimmune disorders,
Mridu Virechana, Basti Chikitsa, Rasayana Therapy.
Corresponding author: Dr.Bhavika Patil
Article Info: Published on : 15/01/2025
P
ISSN No. : 2584-2757
Volume : 02
Issue : 02
Publisher
ROGANIDAN VIKRUTIVIGYAN PG ASSOCIATION
FOR PATHOLOGY AND RADIODIGNOSIS
DOI
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Reg. No. : MAHA-703/16(NAG)
Year of Establishment – 2016
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus And Ayurveda: A Case Study Perspective
Dr.Bhavika Patil
1
, Dr.Santosh Chavan
2
1
Second Year PG, Department of Rognidan Evum Vikriti Vidyan ,D.Y. Patil School of Ayurveda Navi Mumbai
2
HOD, Department of Rognidan Evum Vikriti Vidyan ,D.Y. Patil School of Ayurveda Navi Mumbai.
Cite this article as: - Dr.Bhavika Patil (2025) ; Systemic Lupus Erythematosus And Ayurveda: A Case Study Perspective;
Inter.J.Dignostics and Research 2 (2) 34-38, DOI: 1 0 . 5 2 8 1 / z e n o d o . 1 4 6 5 0 0 7 5
G
A
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH [ISSN No.: 2584-2757]
Volume : 02
Copyright @ : - Dr.Bhavika Patil Inter. J.Digno. and Research IJDRMSID00037 |ISSN :2584-2757
35
Introduction:
Background
Autoimmune disorders represent an aberrant immune
response targeting the body’s own tissues, resulting in
chronic morbidity. Among these, SLE is a prototypical
multisystem disorder with a prevalence of 6%,
predominantly affecting women of childbearing age.
[1]
The disease manifests with symptoms ranging from
skin lesions and arthritis to severe organ damage.
[2]
Ayurvedic texts describe diseases with similar
symptomatology under Vatarakta.
[3]
This condition
arises from the vitiation of Vata and Rakta due to
Nidanas such as improper dietary habits and lifestyle
practices, leading to Avarana (obstruction) and
subsequent inflammation.
[4]
This article aims to
correlate the pathology of SLE with Raktadhika
Vatarakta and evaluate the effectiveness of Ayurvedic
management strategies.
Methods :
Patient Profile :
A 35-year-old female presented with:
Malar rash with photosensitivity.
Joint pain and swelling (predominantly in
small joints).
Fatigue, mild headaches, and nausea.
Diagnosis :
Correlating clinical features with Ayurvedic
principles, the patient was diagnosed with Raktadhika
Vatarakta, involving both Uttana (superficial) and
Gambhira (deep) stages.
[5]
Treatment Plan :
The primary objectives were to:
1. Balance Vata and Rakta Doshas.
2. Alleviate symptoms through Shodhana
(purification) and Shamana (palliative care).
3. Enhance immunity using Rasayana
Chikitsa.
Table :1 Treatment Plan
Therapy
Formulation
Dosage
Duration
Mridu
Virechana
Nimbamrita
Eranda Taila
10 mL at
bedtime
5 days
Basti
Chikitsa
Guduchi
Ksheera Basti
Alternate
days
10
sessions
Rasayana
Guduchi
Ghrita,
Chyavanprash
1 tsp BD
45 days
Monitoring and Follow-Up :
Symptomatic evaluation (rash severity, joint
swelling, fatigue) on days 1, 15, 30, and 45.
Laboratory tests: ESR, CRP, and ANA titers
were measured pre- and post-treatment.
[6]
Results:
Table :2 Clinical Observations
Symptom
Day
1
Day
15
Day
30
Day
45
Rash severity
4+
3+
2+
1+
Joint
swelling/pain
3+
2+
2+
0
Fatigue
4+
3+
1+
0
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1. Immunological Tests
I. Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Test:
Result: Positive, with a titer of 1:160 and a
homogenous pattern, supporting the SLE
diagnosis.
II. Anti-dsDNA Antibodies :
Result: Elevated levels, indicative of SLE
activity and possible renal involvement.
III. Anti-Smith (Anti-Sm) Antibodies
Result: Positive, confirming SLE as the
specific autoimmune condition.
IV. Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies:
Result: Negative, ruling out anti
phospholipid syndrome.
2. Inflammatory Markers :
I. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR):
Before Treatment: 45 mm/hr.
After Treatment: Reduced to 20 mm/hr,
reflecting diminished systemic
inflammation.
II. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) :
Before Treatment: 15 mg/L.
After Treatment: Reduced to 5 mg/L,
indicating improved inflammatory status.
3. Complement Levels :
I. C3 and C4 Levels :
Before Treatment: Both were low,
indicating complement consumption during
active disease.
After Treatment: Showed improvement,
correlating with reduced disease activity.
4. Hematological Investigations
I. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Before Treatment:
Hemoglobin: 10 g/dL (mild
anemia).
WBC: 3,800 cells/μL
(leukopenia).
Platelet Count: 120,000/μL
(mild thrombocytopenia).
After Treatment:
Hemoglobin: 12 g/dL.
WBC: 4,600 cells/μL.
Platelet Count: 160,000/μL
(normalized).
II. Peripheral Blood Smear
Findings: No evidence of hemolysis.
5. Renal Function Tests
I. Urinalysis :
Before Treatment: Mild proteinuria (0.5
g/day).
After Treatment: Proteinuria resolved,
indicating improved renal function.
II. Serum Creatinine:
Normal throughout the study, ruling out
severe renal impairment.
6. Imaging Studies :
I. X-ray of Joints :
Findings: Non-erosive arthritis in small
joints, consistent with SLE.
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37
II. Echocardiography :
Findings: Mild pericardial effusion, which
resolved with treatment
Ayurvedic Diagnostic Correlation :
Nadi Pariksha: Detected Pitta-Vata
Prakopa (imbalance).
Prakriti Analysis: Pitta-Vata Prakriti,
prone to inflammatory conditions.
Lakshana Analysis: Symptoms such as
erythematous rashes, joint swelling, and
fatigue aligned with Raktadhika Vatarakta.
Role of Diagnostics in Treatment Planning :
1. Immunological Tests: Guided the inclusion
of detoxification therapies like Mridu
Virechana to address systemic
autoimmunity.
2. Complement Levels and Inflammatory
Markers: Highlighted the need for Basti to
balance Vata and reduce inflammation.
3. Hematological Parameters: Informed
dietary and Rasayana interventions to
enhance hemoglobin and overall immunity.
Figure 1: Symptoms Improvement Over 45 days
Ayurvedic Treatment
The enhanced graph demonstrates the improvement
in symptoms over the 45-day Ayurvedic treatment
period. It includes:
1. Distinct Colors: For clarity, each symptom
is represented with a unique color.
2. Thicker Lines: Highlight trends more
effectively.
3. Improved Labels: Includes a bold title,
labeled axes, and a descriptive legend.
4. Gridlines: Aids visual comparison across
the timeline.
Discussion :
Ayurvedic Perspective on SLE :
SLE aligns with Raktadhika Vatarakta due to
overlapping symptoms such as joint inflammation,
skin rashes, and fatigue. Avarana of Vata by Rakta
results in systemic symptoms, which are addressed
using specific Shodhana and Shamana therapies.
[7]
Mode of Action of Therapies :
Mridu Virechana: Helps in detoxifying Pitta
and Rakta doshas, reducing inflammation.
[8]
Basti Chikitsa: Restores Vata balance and
alleviates joint pain.
Rasayana: Enhances tissue regeneration and
immunity, addressing the chronic nature of
SLE.
[9]
Limitations :
Single-patient study; larger trials are
needed.
No long-term follow-up to evaluate
sustained benefits.
Issue : 02
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH [ISSN No.: 2584-2757]
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Copyright @ : - Dr.Bhavika Patil Inter. J.Digno. and Research IJDRMSID00037 |ISSN :2584-2757
38
Conclusion :
Ayurvedic interventions, when personalized and
systematically applied, offer promising results in
managing SLE. By addressing root causes and
systemic imbalances, these therapies provide holistic
relief while minimizing side effects, positioning
Ayurveda as a complementary approach to
autoimmune disorders
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ISSN: 2584-2757
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