Ulcerative Colitis Managed By Per-Rectal Administration of DURVĀDĪ GHṚITA: A Case Report

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a long-standing inflammatory disorder of the colon with remitting–relapsing course, presenting with bloody diarrhoea, urgency and incontinence. Conventional therapies (aminosalicylates, immunomodulators and biologics) often have limited efficacy and significant adverse effects. In Ayurveda, UC can be correlated with raktātisāra, adhoga rakta-pitta and grahaṇi involving purīṣavaha srotas. Durvādī ghṛta described in Bhaiṣajya Ratnāvali is indicated in bleeding disorders and may promote mucosal healing when administered per rectum.

A 56-year-old male with 8-year history of ulcerative pancolitis presented with blood-mixed stools >10 times/day. Baseline Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI) was 9. Colonoscopy showed severe pancolitis with deep ulcerations and complete vascular pattern loss. The patient received per-rectal administration of 30 ml Durvādī ghṛta daily for 30 days following standard pūrvakarma, pradhāna karma and paścāt karma procedures.

After 30 days, bowel frequency reduced from 7 to 3 times/day with no nocturnal stools. Bleeding was arrested and stool occult blood turned negative. SCCAI decreased from 9 to 4. Follow-up colonoscopy revealed marked mucosal healing: disease limited to left colon with superficial ulcers, normal appearance of right colon and partial restoration of vascularity.