An open-label, randomized, exploratory study to evaluate the effect of internal oleation and therapeutic purgation on lipid profile in patients with skin diseases

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In Ayurveda therapeutic principles, internal oleation (IO) is essential before Virechana (purgation therapy). The IO is mainly done using plain or specific medicated ghee according to the disease condition. Virechana is a primarily utilized therapy for treating skin diseases. This pilot study evaluates and compares the effect of IO by using cow ghee (CG) and Mahatiktaka Ghrita (MTG), followed by Virechana, on lipid profiles in individuals suffering from skin diseases but having normal serum lipid levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 patients were enrolled in this open-label, randomized, multicenter exploratory study and equally divided into two groups. The Ayurveda interventions for IO in groups I and II were CG and MTG, respectively. In both groups, after the completion of 3 to 7 days of IO, Virechana, by using Avipattikar churna (AVC), was done. The effect of the interventions was assessed after completion of IO, and the next day after Virechana, by laboratory investigations such as lipid profile, liver function (LFT) and renal function tests (RFT). Comparative statistical analysis of observations between the baseline, after oleation, and after Virechana was done using statistical software SPSS Version 15.0. RESULTS: A total of 55 participants (27 in group I and 28 in group II) completed the study. After IO and Virechana, changes were reported in the lipid profile, LFT and RFT. All the observed changes are within the standard normal range of the respective laboratory parameters. CONCLUSIONS: To some extent, the IO with CG, MTG, and Virechana therapy can result in clinical changes in LDL, LFT, and RFT within normal limits. As per the Ayurveda concepts, Sansarjana Karma is a must after Virechana for complete recovery. Therefore, further research on changes in lipid profile after IO and Virechana following Sansarjana Karma is required.