Changes

''Rasayana'' drugs have got an important role in the management of ''rajayakshma''. ''Mandagni'' (at the level of ''jatharagni'' and ''dhatvagni'' both) and ''srotovarodha'' play an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease. ''Rasayana'' drugs act at various levels to promote nutrition. Some of them work at the level of ''rasa'' (enriching nutrient plasma) while others work at the level of ''agni'' (improve digestion and metabolism). Some other work at the level of ''srotas'' by promoting the competence of microcirculatory channels in the body leading to better bio-availability of nutrients to the tissues and improved tissue perfusion.[2] Hence, ''rasayana'' acting at all three levels may prove beneficial in the management of ''rajayakshma''. ''Rasayana'' drugs also improve the status of ''ojas'' in the body by their immunomodulatory action. Thus these drugs are used as an adjuvant to anti-tubercular drugs and they enhance efficacy of treatment at various levels. Details about ''rasayana'' drugs have already been described in first chapter of [[Chikitsa Sthana]].  ''Nidana parivarjana'' (removal of the causes) is yet another aspect of treatment.

''Rasayana'' drugs have got an important role in the management of ''rajayakshma''. ''Mandagni'' (at the level of ''jatharagni'' and ''dhatvagni'' both) and ''srotovarodha'' play an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease. ''Rasayana'' drugs act at various levels to promote nutrition. Some of them work at the level of ''rasa'' (enriching nutrient plasma) while others work at the level of ''agni'' (improve digestion and metabolism). Some other work at the level of ''srotas'' by promoting the competence of microcirculatory channels in the body leading to better bio-availability of nutrients to the tissues and improved tissue perfusion.[2] Hence, ''rasayana'' acting at all three levels may prove beneficial in the management of ''rajayakshma''. ''Rasayana'' drugs also improve the status of ''ojas'' in the body by their immunomodulatory action. Thus these drugs are used as an adjuvant to anti-tubercular drugs and they enhance efficacy of treatment at various levels. Details about ''rasayana'' drugs have already been described in first chapter of [[Chikitsa Sthana]].  ''Nidana parivarjana'' (removal of the causes) is yet another aspect of treatment.

==== Research on Ayurveda treatment in tuberculosis patients ====

==== Research on [[Ayurveda]] treatment in tuberculosis patients ====

As we look back to the history of tuberculosis treatment, the immune-boost up was the main treatment. Ayurvedic treatment of tuberculosis was initiated in 1933 by the establishment of Patipukur TB Hospital, Kolkata. Later on, a full-fledged research unit was commissioned with exclusive budget. Treatment guidelines were adopted on Ayurvedic principles for therapeutic management which was a unique effort of its kind in pre-independence India. This regimen was discontinued from 1st November 1947 on the introduction of synthetic ATDs. Drugs containing mercury, gold, calcium was prepared at the in-house pharmacy and was administered to the patients with fresh juice of herbs cultivated in the hospital garden. Formulations like ''vasantamalati, kanchanabhra rasa, rajamriganka rasa'' were under use including ''bhallataka'' (Semicarpus anacardium) rasayana'', mallasindura, vasa'' (Adatoda vasica) etc. The statistics on the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis using Ayurvedic medicine for over a period of 13 years is of immense value.[1]

As we look back to the history of tuberculosis treatment, the immune-boost up was the main treatment. Ayurvedic treatment of tuberculosis was initiated in 1933 by the establishment of Patipukur TB Hospital, Kolkata. Later on, a full-fledged research unit was commissioned with exclusive budget. Treatment guidelines were adopted on Ayurvedic principles for therapeutic management which was a unique effort of its kind in pre-independence India. This regimen was discontinued from 1st November 1947 on the introduction of synthetic ATDs. Drugs containing mercury, gold, calcium was prepared at the in-house pharmacy and was administered to the patients with fresh juice of herbs cultivated in the hospital garden. Formulations like ''vasantamalati, kanchanabhra rasa, rajamriganka rasa'' were under use including ''bhallataka'' (Semicarpus anacardium) rasayana'', mallasindura, vasa'' (Adatoda vasica) etc. The statistics on the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis using Ayurvedic medicine for over a period of 13 years is of immense value.[1]