Abstract

PLATELET-RICH PLASMA VERSUS AYURVEDIC LOCAL THERAPIES IN CHRONIC ULCERS: A COMPARATIVE REVIEW

Dr. Bhagya Shaji*

Abstract

Chronic ulcers are injuries which do not heal in a proper and timely way and generally continue for more than three months even when appropriate treatment is given. They place a heavy burden on the healthcare system due to the long period of treatment, frequent infections, a lower quality of life, and greater healthcare costs. Diabetes mellitus, venous insufficiency, peripheral arterial disease, pressure injuries, and trauma are some of the main causes of chronic ulcers. Since conventional wound care generally leads to unsatisfactory results, there has been a search for advanced regenerative therapies as well as complementary traditional methods. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) has become an important form of biological treatment since it provides a high concentration of autologous platelets which contain growth factors and thus speed up tissue regeneration. In Ayurvedic medicine, chronic ulcers are referred to as Dushta Vrana and are managed according to the principles of Vrana Shodhana (cleansing of the wound) and Vrana Ropana (healing of the wound) by means of herbal preparations such as Jatyadi Taila, Panchavalkala Kashaya, Madhu (honey), Ghrita preparations, and other local therapies. The present review compares the principles, mechanisms of action, clinical evidence, advantages, limitations, and future prospects of PRP and Ayurvedic local therapies as they relate to the management of chronic ulcers.

Keywords: Platelet-Rich Plasma, Chronic Ulcer, Dushta Vrana, Jatyadi Taila, Vrana Shodhana.