European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A REVIEW ON AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF CHOLELITHIASIS

Dr. Vrushali V. Bhosle* and Dr. Sadanand V. Deshpande

ABSTRACT

The problems like obesity and metabolic syndrome are rising day by day which leads to an increase in diagnosis of cholelithiasis. It is more common in women than men. Formation of gallstones is due to supersaturation of bile with cholesterol. Gall bladder hypomotility is also the causative factor in formation of gallstones. Gallstones are generally asymptomatic which do not require treatment. But symptomatic cholelithiasis is characterized by biliary colic, nausea and vomiting. Treatment of cholelithiasis include surgical therapy and medical therapy. Life style changes, regular exercise and healthy diet may help to prevent gallstone formation. In ayurvedic samhita, Acharya has explained ashmari only in the context of Mutrashmari. The Pittashaya ashmari (gallstone) has not been described specifically. According to Ayurveda all the three, vata-pitta and kapha doshas contribute in the formation of gallstones. The vitiation of kapha is the primary cause in the formation of ashmari. We can correlate bile with achha pitta and gallstones can be considered as pittashaya ashmari. By considering similarities in location and function of bile and achha pitta, we can explain probable samrapti of pittashaya ashmari according to ayurveda. Ayurvedic management of pittashaya ashmari includes the kalpas having pachan, deepan and pittashaman properties and pathya ahar-vihar help to reduce its risk.

Keywords: Pittashaya ashmari, Achha pitta, kapha, vayu, pitta dosha, Cholelithiasis or gallstones, Srotorodha.