An open labeled randomized double armed controlled clinical study on Nava Kashaya and Shirisha Twak Lepa on Dadru Kustha w.s.r Tinea corporis

Background: Dadru Kuṣṭha, described in Ayurveda as a Kapha–Pitta pradhāna Kuṣṭha, closely resembles Tinea corporis, a superficial dermatophytic infection characterized by pruritus, erythema, papules, and annular lesions. Increasing recurrence and chronicity necessitate evaluation of effective Ayurvedic management strategies.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of Nava Kaṣhāya and Śhirīṣha Twak Lepa in the management of Dadru Kuṣṭha with special reference to Tinea corporis.

Materials and Methods: An open-label, randomized, double-armed controlled clinical study was conducted on patients diagnosed with Dadru Kuṣṭha/Tinea corporis. Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups:

• Trial group: treated with internal administration of Nava Kaṣhāya with external application of Śhirīṣha Twak Lepa
• Control group: treated with external application of Śhirīṣha Twak Lepa

Assessment was done based on grading of clinical features (kandu, rāga, piḍakā, maṇḍala), body surface area involvement using the Wallace Rule of Nines, and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), KOH mount with fungal culture. Pre- and post-treatment data were statistically analyzed.

Results: The trial group showed statistically significant improvement in all major clinical parameters, with marked reduction in symptom severity, body surface area involvement, and DLQI scores, KOH mount & fungal culture. The control group also demonstrated improvement, particularly in itching, redness and erythema, but the extent of improvement was comparatively less. Overall, the trial group exhibited superior and more sustained clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

The study concludes that Nava Kaṣhāya is an effective and safe internal therapeutic intervention in the management of Dadru Kuṣṭha (Tinea corporis). Śhirīṣha Twak Lepa solitarily is beneficial as an external supportive therapy. A combined approach addressing both systemic and local pathology offers a comprehensive Ayurvedic management strategy for Tinea corporis