Ashmari in Brhat-Trayi: A Critical Review of Literature

Abstract

Ashmari has been known to humanity since the dawn of time and is one of the Mutravaha Srotas' most common diseases. Ashmari is mentioned in almost all Ayurvedic Samhitaas, but "Father of Surgery" acharya Sushruta describes Ashmari in the most scientific way possible, including its etiopathogenesis, categorization, symptomatology, complications, and management. Urolithiasis, the third most frequent urinary tract disease after UTI and BPH, can be linked to Ashmari. Stone development is a symptom of Ashmari disease, which is a painful condition. As a result, it is considered one of the fatal ailments that are "Ashtamahagada". There are very few research articles available on this disease explaining the comprehensive review of classical texts. As the disease Ashmari is of prime importance for humans so many authors have tried to write and compile the references or information available in classical texts but there is not any single article that not only compiles the textual references but also explains its appropriate modern counterpart. So the primary objective of this study is to review all the literature related to Ashmari in Brhat-Trayi and compile it in a single place for gaining comprehensive knowledge and used it for easy referencing for conducting further research. Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridayam along with classical commentaries, e-books, and research articles were reviewed critically in detail to collect literature regarding Ashmari. In this review, a few newer correlations are also included by the author. As this review also includes medicinal management, where a vast number of drugs are told by Acharyas so there may be a possibility of further research by finding or proving the antiurolithic or lithotriptic activity of several medicines. It will be the greatest achievement in the field of urology if we can prevent its reoccurrence and reduces the need for surgical management. There is a need for novel research to evolve an effective treatment that is curative as well as preventive.