The Concept of Cholelithiasis as Per Ayurvedic Text

Londhe P D

doi:10.47552/ijam.v7i1.801

Abstract

Cholelithiasis (gallstone formation) results from a combination of several factors, including super saturation of bile with cholesterol, accelerated nucleation of cholesterol monohydrate in bile, and bile stasis or delayed gallbladder emptying due to impaired gallbladder motility. In India it is more common in women in north, north-east and east as compared to other zones in the country. The disease Gall Stone has not been described directly in Ayurvedic classics. The word Ashmari in Ayurveda stands for stone which is described only in the context of Bastigat Ashmari (urinary calculi). After analyzing the Ayurvedic texts it was found that the bile secreted from gall bladder can be correlated with Accha Pitta mentioned in Ayurveda due to the similarity in location and function. The pathogenesis of the disease occurs due to the abnormal formation of Kapha during the process of digestion and its vitiation due to Vata. The present article deals with description of formation of gall stone from the Ayurvedic perspective. Along with this the specific remedy for gall stone according to Ayurveda is also described.

Highlights

There are several diseases which arise in gall bladder and one among them is gall stones
Accha Pitta vis-à-vis bile: The A ccha Pitta generated in the second stage of digestion bears striking similarity with bile which is stored in gall bladder
While super saturation of bile with cholesterol is an important prerequisite for gall stone formation, it is generally not sufficient by itself to produce cholesterol precipitation in vivo

Summary

Introduction

There are several diseases which arise in gall bladder and one among them is gall stones (cholelithiasis). Causes of gall stone formation (4): High caloric and high fat diet Obesity - normal bile acid pool and secretion but increased biliary secretion of cholesterol. Probable Samprapti as per Ayurveda: While considering the pathogenesis of gall stone on Ayurvedic parlance, it can be said that the kaphaprakopaka Nidanasevan (causative factors) leads to accumulation of Kapha at first, which produces the symptoms like A lasya (lethargy), Gaurav (heaviness), Mandoshmata (decreased digestive fire).

Results

Conclusion