CLINICAL EFFICACY OF SHOTHAHARA MAHAKASHAYA KALA BASTI IN KAPHA-VATAJA SHOTHA (HYPOTHYROIDISM)

Abstract

Hypothyroidism, with an Indian prevalence of approximately 10.95%, presents clinically as myxedema - a non-pitting edema from dermal glycosaminoglycan deposition - alongside fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, and constipation. These features map precisely onto the classical Ayurvedic description of Kapha-Vataja Shotha, where Kapha produces the heavy, immobile, unctuous, cold swelling (Guru, Sthira, Snigdha, Shita) and Vata produces the dryness, numbness, and constipation (Ruksha, Prasupti, Apana-Avarana). This literature review synthesises classical Ayurvedic references from the Brihattrayi and Laghutrayi with contemporary endocrine science to evaluate the clinical rationale for combining Shothahara Mahakashaya - the Dashamoola group of ten roots (Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 4) - with Kala Basti, a 16-session Basti schedule of 6 Niruha and 10 Anuvasana (Charaka Siddhi Sthana, Chapter 1). The Shothahara Mahakashaya exhibits Tridoshaghna action with specific efficacy against Kapha-Vata, while Tila Taila (the principal Sneha of Kala Basti) provides Lekhana, Sukshma, and Ushna properties that disrupt the Kapha-Avarana central to hypothyroid pathogenesis. Recent clinical studies on related Basti protocols (Kshara Basti, Lekhana Basti) report TSH reductions of 31.1–5.76 mIU/mL and 10.60–4.08 mIU/mL respectively, supporting the classical rationale. This review concludes that Shothahara Mahakashaya Kala Basti offers a rational Ayurvedic intervention for hypothyroidism, meriting prospective randomised trials.