ROLE OF LOHA CHURNADI PRALEPA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF VRANA VASTU: A REVIEW ARTICLE

Abstract

Vrana and its improper healing have been described in Ayurveda with detailed attention to wound features, scar formation, discoloration, elevation, hardness, and functional disturbance. Vrana Vastu may be understood as the residual tissue changes occurring after wound healing, where abnormal scar formation resembles hypertrophic scar in modern surgical understanding. Hypertrophic scar develops due to excessive collagen deposition within the boundary of the original wound and presents with raised, firm, reddish, itchy, and sometimes painful scar tissue. In Ayurveda, local application therapies such as Pralepa are important in the management of skin and wound-related conditions. Loha Churnadi Pralepa may be considered useful due to its probable Lekhana, Ropana, Shothahara, Kandughna, Varnya, and Vrana Shodhana actions. The present review aims to explore the role of Loha Churnadi Pralepa in the management of Vrana Vastu with special consideration of hypertrophic scar. Classical texts, commentaries, and relevant modern literature were reviewed to understand the disease concept, pathogenesis, drug action, and therapeutic relevance. The review suggests that Loha Churnadi Pralepa may help in reducing scar thickness, hardness, itching, discoloration, and local inflammatory changes through its scraping, healing, and tissue-modulating actions.