Abstract

INTEGRATIVE AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN DISEASE: A SINGLE CASE STUDY ON THE ROLE OF SHAMANA CHIKITSA AND NASYA KARMA

Dr. Spoorthi G. Sanjay*, Dr. Shreyes S. (M. S.(Ayu) Ph. D.)

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Abstract

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a common endocrinological disorder in women of reproductive age, characterized by irregular menstruation, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology, and often associated with metabolic disturbances like insulin resistance, obesity, and dyslipidemia. Conventional management offers only temporary symptomatic relief and may cause adverse effects, leading to growing interest in holistic alternatives such as Ayurveda. This case study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of integrative Ayurvedic management, including Shamana Chikitsa and Nasya Karma, in a single case of PCOD with metabolic and hormonal disturbances. A 26- year-old female presenting with irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, acne, mild hirsutism, and ultrasound-confirmed PCOD was treated over three months with an Ayurvedic regimen comprising Kanchanara Guggulu, Triphala Guggulu, Chandraprabha Vati, Punarnavadi Kashaya, and Ashokarishta, along with Nasya Karma using Anu Taila. The patient was assessed monthly for clinical symptoms, anthropometric measurements, hormonal profile, and ultrasonography. Following the treatment, the patient experienced regularization of menstrual cycles, weight reduction from 72 kg to 68.5 kg, marked improvement in acne and hirsutism, and normalization of bowel and sleep patterns. Objective findings included normalization of LH:FSH ratio from 2.8:1 to 1.8:1, fasting insulin, serum testosterone, lipid profile, and reduction in ovarian volume with resolution of cystic morphology on ultrasonography. This case highlights the potential effectiveness of an integrative Ayurvedic approach in managing PCOD through non-invasive and holistic methods aimed at restoring hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive health. However, larger clinical studies are necessary to validate these findings and establish standardized Ayurvedic treatment protocols for PCOD.

Keywords: Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD), Shamana Chikitsa, Nasya Karma, Anu Taila, Kapha-Meda Dushti, Artava Dushti.