A pre-post study to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of Tutthakadi Malahara in Dushtavrana (Non-healing Ulcer)

Abstract

Chronic ulcers or non healing ulcers are defined as ulcers that are unresponsive to initial therapy or that persist despite appropriate care and do not proceed towards healing in a defined time period with an underlying etiology.Major cause for delayed healing of an ulcer is infection by micro-organisms. The flora of non healing ulcers is usually polymicrobial. Bacteria in an infected wound produce inflammatory mediators that delays phases of healing. Due to increasing antibiotic resistance there is wide scope for exploring Ayurvedic formulations which are cost effective with vrana shodhana and ropana property. Aim - To evaluate the antimicrobial effect of Tutthakadi malahara in non healing ulcer by assessing the microbial load, discharge type and amount and severity of pain.Materials and methods: the study was a pre and post clinical trial with 26 participants in a single group selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Topical application of Tutthakadi malahara once daily for a period of 28 days followed by assessment of microbial load in pus culture,discharge and pain weekly once were done. Assessment was done on 0^th , 7^th,14^th ,21^st  and 28^th day for subjective parameters (Pain in non-healing ulcer assessed on 0th,7th,14th,21st and 28th day) and objective parameters (Microbial load in pus culture and Discharge type and amount, assessed on 0th,7th,14th,21st and 28th day). Results: Both subjective and objective parameters were statistically significant with P <0.0001.Conclusion: On analysing the results it can be concluded that Tutthakadi malahara can be used effectively in dushtavrana to reduce microbial load, discharge and pain