Ayurvedic Approach to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Ayurvedic Approach to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Sonu Mariam Rajan
PG Scholar, Department of Prasuti Tantra and Stree Roga, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Rachana H. V
Professor, Department of Prasuti Tantra and Stree Roga, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Ayurvedic Approach to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Year: 2023 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v10i6.1447
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a systemic, endocrine, and metabolic disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation, commonly manifesting in women of reproductive age. It is associated with various symptoms, including irregular menstruation, obesity, acne, and increased hair growth. The disorder is becoming increasingly prevalent, likely due to lifestyle factors. Ayurvedic literature does not offer a direct correlation to PCOS, but similarities have been noted with conditions described by ancient scholars such as Acharya Kashyapa and others. Ayurvedic treatments aim to address vitiated doshas and restore normal bodily functions.
Ayurvedic Perspective on PCOS
In Ayurveda, PCOS is perceived through the lens of dosha imbalances, particularly involving vitiated Kapha, Vata, and Meda, which can hinder the physiological functions of Apana Vata and lead to menstrual irregularities. The treatment is tailored to pacify the deranged doshas while promoting the Agneya guna of Pitta. The articles highlight two primary Ayurvedic formulations: Patoladi Kwatha, beneficial for addressing Andadhara roga, and Navaka Guggulu, which is effective against Kapha medoja disorders. Both remedies were administered in a case study involving a 24-year-old patient diagnosed with PCOS, resulting in significant symptom relief after three months of treatment.
Treatment Outcomes
The patient exhibited marked improvements in key parameters after treatment with Patoladi Kwatha and Navaka Guggulu. Notable changes included an increase in the duration and amount of menstrual bleeding, a decrease in the interval between cycles, reduction of associated pain, and improvements in hirsutism and acne scores. Specifically, the LH: FSH ratio, an important marker in diagnosing PCOS, showed substantial improvement from 4.42 to 1.40. The treatment also contributed to a slight reduction in Body Mass Index (BMI), indicating overall metabolic health enhancement.
Conclusion
The integration of Patoladi Kwatha and Navaka Guggulu as a therapeutic approach for PCOS demonstrated effective management of menstrual irregularities and associated symptoms. The findings suggest that Ayurvedic treatments can be beneficial for women suffering from this condition by improving various health parameters. Longer treatment durations may yield even better outcomes, and the potential impact of these formulations on hormone levels warrants further investigation in future studies. This case reinforces the significance of personalized Ayurvedic interventions in managing complex conditions like PCOS.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and its causes?
PCOS is a common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age. It's characterized by hyperandrogenism, chronic anovulation, and the presence of polycystic ovaries. Contributing factors include sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, and possibly genetic predispositions.
How does Ayurveda approach the treatment of PCOS?
Ayurveda treats PCOS by addressing imbalances in the body's doshas, primarily Kapha and Vata. Treatments include herbal preparations like Patoladi kwatha and Navaka guggulu, aimed at restoring menstrual function and balancing hormones.
What were the findings of the case study on PCOS treatment?
The case study showed that Patoladi kwatha and Navaka guggulu improved menstrual symptoms significantly. After treatment, the patient's menstruation duration increased, pain decreased, and hormonal levels balanced, demonstrating the effectiveness of Ayurvedic therapies in managing PCOS.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Ayurvedic Approach to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Patoladi (Patola-adi):
Patoladi is referenced in the Ayurvedic text as part of Patoladi Kwatha, a formulation with multiple herbs used in treating disorders like PCOS by balancing Kapha and Vata doshas. [source text or glossary: Patoladi]
2) Guggulu:
Guggulu, part of Navaka guggulu, is an Ayurvedic formulation used for its Medohara (fat reducing), Lekhana (scraping), and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties, particularly effective in managing Kapha and Vata disorders like PCOS. [source text or glossary: Guggulu]
3) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing the earth and water elements. Kapha imbalance can contribute to conditions like PCOS by causing blockages and physiological dysfunctions in the body. [source text or glossary: Kapha]
4) Roga:
Roga is a term used in Ayurveda to denote disease or disorder. In the text, PCOS is a type of roga affecting women's reproductive and metabolic health. [source text or glossary: Roga]
5) Pain:
Pain, specifically referred to as Yoni vedana, is a symptom associated with menstrual irregularities in PCOS, often treated with Ayurveda's srotoshodhana (channel cleansing) and dosha balancing therapies. [source text or glossary: Pain]
6) Vata:
Vata dosha, one of Ayurveda's three doshas, governs movement and flexibility. In PCOS, disrupted Vata leads to Apana vata disturbances, affecting the reproductive system. [source text or glossary: Vata]
7) Katu:
Katu rasa indicates a pungent taste, which in Ayurveda is known for its ability to stimulate digestive fire, clear obstructions, and balance Kapha dosha, making it beneficial in treating PCOS. [source text or glossary: Katu]
8) Guna:
Guna refers to qualities inherent in substances and treatments in Ayurveda. For example, Ruksha (dry) and Teekshna (sharp) gunas of certain herbs are key in managing PCOS symptoms. [source text or glossary: Guna]
9) Triphala (Tri-phala):
Triphala is an Ayurvedic mixture of three fruits known for its Kaphamedahara (Kapha-reducing) properties, making it effective in managing PCOS by balancing doshas and cleansing the system. [source text or glossary: Triphala]
10) Disease:
Disease in Ayurveda, such as PCOS, is often treated through the balance of doshas, enhanced digestion (Agni), and cleansing of srotas (channels). [source text or glossary: Disease]
11) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa indicates taste which influences therapeutic effects in Ayurveda. Katu, Tikta (bitter), and Kashaya (astringent) rasas are employed to balance Kapha and Vata in PCOS treatment. [source text or glossary: Rasa]
12) Prakopa:
Prakopa means the aggravation of doshas, which leads to diseases like PCOS. Identifying and pacifying aggravated doshas is a fundamental treatment approach in Ayurveda. [source text or glossary: Prakopa]
13) Srotas (Shrotas):
Srotas are channels in the body that facilitate various physiological functions. Blockages in artavavaha srotas can result in conditions like PCOS. [source text or glossary: Srotas]
14) Medas (Meda, Medash):
Meda refers to fat tissue. In PCOS, aggravated Kapha dosha leads to Meda accumulation, causing obesity and other metabolic disturbances. [source text or glossary: Meda]
15) Hair:
Hair issues such as hirsutism are symptoms of PCOS and are addressed through Ayurvedic treatments balancing doshas, employing herbs with anti-androgenic properties. [source text or glossary: Hair]
16) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
Tridosha refers to the three primary bodily humors in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. A balance between these is crucial for health, while their imbalance leads to diseases like PCOS. [source text or glossary: Tridosha]
17) Lekhana:
Lekhana refers to scraping or reducing therapy in Ayurveda, targeting excess fat and toxins. This is beneficial in treating PCOS as it reduces Kapha and Meda. [source text or glossary: Lekhana]
18) Ruksha (Ruksa):
Ruksha means dry quality in Ayurveda. Herbs with Ruksha guna help in reducing Kapha and Meda, essential in managing PCOS. [source text or glossary: Ruksha]
19) Nidana:
Nidana indicates causes or factors leading to disease. In the text, manasika (mental) and aharaja (dietary) nidanas are noted for their roles in PCOS. [source text or glossary: Nidana]
20) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha refers to the three functional principles regulating the body: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Imbalances in any dosha, particularly Kapha and Vata, are central to the pathology of PCOS. [source text or glossary: Dosha]
21) Ushna (Usna):
Ushna refers to the hot potency of a substance in Ayurveda. Ushna veerya (hot potency) herbs are effective in treating PCOS by pacifying Kapha and Vata doshas. [source text or glossary: Ushna]
22) Rajan:
Rajan is the surname of the primary author, Sonu Mariam Rajan, who conducted this study on the Ayurvedic management of PCOS. [source text or glossary: Rajan]
23) Hara:
Hara means alleviator or remover in Sanskrit. Medicinal formulations like Patoladi kwatha and Navaka guggulu are Kapha-hara (Kapha alleviating) and Vata-hara (Vata alleviating), addressing PCOS symptoms. [source text or glossary: Hara]
24) Food:
Food or diet plays a significant role in Ayurveda. Unhealthy eating habits can aggravate Kapha and lead to metabolic disorders like PCOS. Treatments often include dietary adjustments. [source text or glossary: Food]
25) Apanavata (Apana-vata):
Apana-vata is a subtype of Vata dosha responsible for downward bodily functions. Imbalances cause reproductive issues like PCOS, necessitating targeted Ayurvedic treatments. [source text or glossary: Apana-vata]
26) Bhaishajya (Bhaisajya):
Bhaishajya refers to medicine or therapeutic practices in Ayurveda. Bhaishajya Ratnavali mentions Patoladi kwatha as beneficial for disorders analogous to PCOS. [source text or glossary: Bhaishajya]
27) Kaphavata (Kapha-vata):
Kapha-vata imbalance is a contributing factor in PCOS, leading to symptoms such as obesity and anovulation. Ayurvedic treatments aim to balance these doshas. [source text or glossary: Kapha-vata]
28) Discussion:
The discussion elaborates on Ayurvedic perspectives, pathogenesis, and treatment of PCOS, focusing on dosha imbalances and therapeutic strategies like using Patoladi kwatha and Navaka guggulu. [source text or glossary: Discussion]
29) Samprapti:
Samprapti refers to the pathogenesis of a disease. Understanding the samprapti of PCOS, including the roles of doshas, guides effective Ayurvedic treatments. [source text or glossary: Samprapti]
30) Vatahara (Vata-ahara):
Vatahara refers to substances that alleviate Vata dosha, crucial in PCOS management as they help balance the reproductive functions affected by Vata imbalance. [source text or glossary: Vatahara]
31) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
Vatadosha, a primary dosha in Ayurveda, is crucial in PCOS pathogenesis. Stabilizing Vatadosha is essential in treatment strategies to restore reproductive and metabolic balance. [source text or glossary: Vatadosha]
32) Katurasa (Katu-rasa):
Katu-rasa refers to the pungent taste, aiding in stimulating digestion and balancing Kapha, essential in PCOS treatment. [source text or glossary: Katu-rasa]
33) Kashyapa (Kasyapa, Kashya-pa, Kashyapanamdana):
Acharya Kashyapa is an ancient Ayurvedic scholar who mentioned conditions resembling PCOS, emphasizing historical Ayurvedic understanding of female reproductive disorders. [source text or glossary: Kashyapa]
34) Medicine:
Medications like Patoladi kwatha and Navaka guggulu are used in Ayurveda to treat PCOS by balancing doshas and enhancing reproductive health. [source text or glossary: Medicine]
35) Prameha:
Prameha includes a set of urinary disorders and metabolic syndromes in Ayurveda, often overlapping with PCOS symptoms like obesity and insulin resistance. [source text or glossary: Prameha]
36) Pippali (Pippalin):
Pippali (long pepper) is used in Ayurveda for its deepana (digestive), pachana (digestive), and Kapha-Vata alleviating properties, beneficial in managing PCOS. [source text or glossary: Pippali]
37) Prasuti:
Prasuti (obstetrics) deals with pregnancy and childbirth. The Department of Prasuti Tantra and Stree Roga in the article focuses on female reproductive health, including PCOS management. [source text or glossary: Prasuti]
38) Kashaya (Kasaya):
Kasaya refers to astringent taste, which has drying and cleansing properties, beneficial in managing conditions like PCOS by reducing Kapha. [source text or glossary: Kasaya]
39) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
Tantra refers to specialized systems in Ayurveda, like Prasuti Tantra, emphasizing women’s reproductive health and treatments for conditions like PCOS. [source text or glossary: Tantra]
40) Artava:
Artava refers to menstrual blood or reproductive fluids. Ayurvedic texts link Artava disruptions to conditions like PCOS, highlighting the importance of balancing doshas for reproductive health. [source text or glossary: Artava]
41) Kshaya (Ksaya):
Kshaya means depletion. Artava kshaya (depletion of Artava) refers to scanty or irregular menstrual flow, a common symptom of PCOS. [source text or glossary: Kshaya]
42) Vipaka:
Vipaka is the post-digestive effect of a substance. In PCOS treatment, katu-vipaka (pungent post-digestive effect) helps balance Kapha and Vata doshas. [source text or glossary: Vipaka]
43) Karma (Karman):
Karma in Ayurveda denotes action or therapeutic effects of a treatment. For PCOS, treatments are designed with specific kaphahara (Kapha-reducing) and vatahara (Vata-reducing) karmas. [source text or glossary: Karma]
44) Laghu:
Laghu means light or easy to digest, a quality in Ayurvedic herbs that helps balance Kapha and Vata, aiding in PCOS management. [source text or glossary: Laghu]
45) Tikta:
Tikta refers to bitter taste. In Ayurveda, tikta rasa helps balance Kapha and Vata doshas, crucial in treating PCOS. [source text or glossary: Tikta]
46) Apana:
Apana is a subtype of Vata dosha essential for expelling waste and reproductive functions. Imbalance can lead to PCOS, requiring targeted Ayurvedic treatments. [source text or glossary: Apana]
47) India:
India has a high prevalence of PCOS. Ayurveda, originating from India, offers traditional treatment approaches to manage this condition. [source text or glossary: India]
48) Blood:
Blood tests for PCOS diagnosis measure hormone levels like LH, FSH, and testosterone, aiding in the assessment of treatment effectiveness. [source text or glossary: Blood]
49) Yoni (Yonin):
Yoni in Ayurveda refers to the female reproductive system. Disorders like PCOS affect Yoni and are treated through dosha-balancing therapies. [source text or glossary: Yoni]
50) Hetu:
Hetu means cause or factor. Identifying hetus such as lifestyle and dietary habits is crucial for treating PCOS in Ayurveda. [source text or glossary: Hetu]
51) Drug:
Drugs or herbs in Ayurveda, such as those in Patoladi kwatha, are specifically chosen to balance doshas and treat conditions like PCOS. [source text or glossary: Drug]
52) Menstrual blood:
In PCOS, imbalances in doshas affect the quantity and quality of menstrual blood, treated through Ayurvedic chikitsa siddhanta (principles of treatment). [source text or glossary: Menstrual blood]
53) Gajapippali (Gaja-pippali):
Gaja-pippali (long pepper) is an ingredient in Patoladi kwatha known for its deepana (digestive) and guda-shodhana (cleansing) properties, aiding in PCOS treatment. [source text or glossary: Gaja-pippali]
54) Daruharidra (Daru-haridra):
Daruharidra (tree turmeric) has anti-inflammatory and Kapha-Vata balancing properties useful in managing PCOS symptoms like inflammation and metabolic imbalance. [source text or glossary: Daruharidra]
55) Yashtimadhu (Yastimadhu, Yashti-madhu):
Yasti-madhu (licorice) is used in Ayurveda for its anti-inflammatory and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties, beneficial in balancing hormones and treating PCOS. [source text or glossary: Yasti-madhu]
56) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
Kapha-dosha imbalance causes metabolic and hormonal disruptions, leading to PCOS. Ayurvedic treatments aim to pacify Kapha for restoring health. [source text or glossary: Kapha-dosha]
57) Pakvashaya (Pakvasaya, Pakva-ashaya):
Pakvashaya is the large intestine where Apana vata resides. Proper function here is crucial for treating PCOS and other gynecological disorders. [source text or glossary: Pakvashaya]
58) Samtarpana (Santarpana):
Santarpana means nourishment, and overeating can lead to Santarpana janya rogas (over-nutrition-related diseases) like PCOS. [source text or glossary: Santarpana]
59) Indrayava (Indra-yava, Imdrayava):
Indrayava (seeds of Holarrhena antidysenterica) has anti-inflammatory and Kapha-Vata balancing properties, included in Patoladi kwatha for managing PCOS. [source text or glossary: Indrayava]
60) Karnataka:
Karnataka refers to the region where the study was conducted, specifically at Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research Institute in Bengaluru. [source text or glossary: Karnataka]
61) Siddhanta (Siddha-anta, Siddhamta):
Siddhanta means principle or doctrine. The Ayurvedic treatment of PCOS follows certain siddhantas aimed at balancing doshas and restoring reproductive health. [source text or glossary: Siddhanta]
62) Prakarana:
Prakarana refers to sections or chapters in Ayurvedic texts. The Prakarana dealing with Andadhara roga chikitsa mentions remedies used for PCOS. [source text or glossary: Prakarana]
63) Anulomana:
Anulomana means facilitating the downward movement essential for Apana vata, crucial for reproductive health and PCOS management. [source text or glossary: Anulomana]
64) Substance:
Substances or dravyas like herbs in Ayurveda play a key role in balancing doshas and treating conditions like PCOS. [source text or glossary: Substance]
65) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are bioactive compounds found in Ayurvedic herbs like Triphala, contributing to their anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic benefits in PCOS. [source text or glossary: Flavonoid]
66) Dhanyaka:
Dhanyaka (coriander) is an ingredient in Patoladi kwatha, known for its digestive and Kapha-Vata pacifying properties, aiding in managing PCOS. [source text or glossary: Dhanyaka]
67) Shoshana (Sosana):
Shoshana means drying in Ayurveda, which is crucial for reducing excess Kapha and Meda, beneficial in treating PCOS. [source text or glossary: Shoshana]
68) Lakshana (Laksana):
Lakshana means sign or symptom. PCOS includes lakshanas like irregular menstruation, hirsutism, and obesity, which are addressed through dosha-specific treatments. [source text or glossary: Lakshana]
69) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana refers to rejuvenating therapies in Ayurveda. Herbs like Guggulu have Rasayana properties, beneficial in managing chronic conditions like PCOS. [source text or glossary: Rasayana]
70) Anartava:
Anartava indicates absence or irregularity of menstruation, a symptom of PCOS addressed through Ayurvedic treatments that restore normal menstrual cycles. [source text or glossary: Anartava]
71) Mutation:
Genetic mutations may contribute to diseases like PCOS, which are increasingly prevalent and addressed through Ayurvedic and lifestyle interventions. [source text or glossary: Mutation]
72) Samgraha (Sangraha):
Samgraha refers to compilation or collection. Chakradutta’s Chikitsa Samgraha offers treatments, including Navaka guggulu, for managing PCOS symptoms. [source text or glossary: Samgraha]
73) Avarana:
Avarana means obstruction. In PCOS, kapha dosha causes avarana (blockages) in artavavaha srotas, leading to menstrual disturbances. [source text or glossary: Avarana]
74) Draksha (Draksa):
Draksha (raisins) is an ingredient in Patoladi kwatha known for its nutritional and dosha-balancing properties, aiding in managing PCOS. [source text or glossary: Draksha]
75) Vrishya (Vrsya):
Vrishya refers to aphrodisiac or reproductive tonic properties. Guggulu, used in Navaka guggulu, has Vrishya properties, enhancing reproductive health in PCOS treatment. [source text or glossary: Vrishya]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 103]
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