Pedagogical review on Ayurveda concept of uterine fibroids

Abstract

Uterine fibroids are common reproductive track tumors of women and they are managed by the Ayurveda system of medicine. Reference on this condition is limited in Ayurveda texts. This study was aimed at collecting research and concept evidence to justify uterine fibroids, with the most similar diseases described in Ayurveda. A review of selected Ayurveda text books and a computer search of databases were carried out to collect data. Search data were interpreted in a meaningful manner with the help of Ayurveda basic concepts. Recent researchers correlate uterine fibroids with Arbuda, or Granthi. Pathogenesis, signs, and symptoms of uterine fibroids could closely correlate with the description given in Susrutha samhita on Arbuda than Granthi. Suppuration, presence of capsules, considered as smaller to Arbuda and the treatment strategy are the dissimilarities of this condition with Granthi. Uterine fibroids could be placed as Tridosha, Mansaja, and Yapya disease according to various classifications of Arbuda. Various clinical presentations of individuals with this condition can be explained with the help of Tridosha involvement. Disease pathogenesis could be described based on Shadkriyakala by following the Samprapthi of Arbuda. Further treatment approaches of uterine fibroids show a close relationship with Arbuda Chikitsa. They can be treated with Shodhana, Shaman, and Shalyaja treatments, as mentioned in Arbuda Chikitsa. In conclusion, the condition of uterine fibroids is closely related with Arbuda than Granthi. Uterine fibroids can be considered as a Mansaja type of Yapya Garbhash Gatha Arbuda due to vitiation of Tridosha. The line of treatment for this condition could be described by Arbuda Chikitsa.