Treatment of Eczema with an Indigenous Drug Manjishtha (Rubia Cordifolia Linn.) - A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Eczema, a common skin disease is similar to Vicharchika as described in Ayurved literature. Twenty-one patients of different types of eczema were treated with 35% ointment of ManjishthaRubiacordifolia,Linn.),made in white petroleum jelly for two weeks. The results of this clinical study showed statistically significant improvement (p < 0.5) by Student’s ‘t’ test with drop in basal severity index of signs and symptoms from 9.86 + .51 (S.E.) 3.72 + 0.12 (S.E.) after two weeks of topical treatment. Maximum improvement was observed in exudation, secondary infection and itching. Manjishtha ointment with improvised strength and complimented with oral treatment are proposed.