Introduction
Chronic wounds remain a major clinical challenge due to persistent infection, hypoxia, inflammation, and impaired extracellular matrix remodeling. In Ayurveda, such wounds are classified as Dushta Vrana, resulting from vitiation of Rakta, Pitta, and Kapha Doshas, along with local tissue contamination and systemic imbalance.1
Classical surgical principles described by Sushruta emphasize the importance of deep-penetrating, non-irritating, and tissue-nourishing formulations for chronic wounds. Ghrita-based preparations are uniquely suited for this purpose due to their ability to reach deeper tissue layers and sustain drug action over time.
Ghrita as a therapeutic carrier
Ghrita (medicated ghee) is considered an ideal Anupana (carrier) in Ayurveda due to:
- Lipid solubility and deep tissue penetration
- Ability to enhance bioavailability of herbal constituents
- Cooling (Sheeta) and anti-inflammatory nature
- Long-term retention at the site of application
- Compatibility with multiple herbal drugs
These properties make ghrita particularly effective in chronic, deep-seated wounds.2
Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) in wound healing
Ayurvedic properties:
Yashtimadhu is described as:
- Madhura Rasa (sweet taste)
- Snigdha Guna (unctuous quality)
- Sheeta Virya (cool potency)
- Rasayana (rejuvenative)
- Vranaropana (wound healing)
Pharmacological constituents:
Key bioactive compounds include:
- Glycyrrhizin
- Glabridin
- Liquiritin
- Flavonoids and saponins
Mechanisms of action in dushta vrana:
Anti-inflammatory activity:
Glycyrrhizin inhibits inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and COX-2, reducing chronic inflammation and tissue destruction in non-healing wounds.
Antimicrobial effects:
Yashtimadhu exhibits antibacterial and antifungal activity, helping control wound infection and biofilm formation.
Collagen synthesis and tissue repair:
It promotes fibroblast proliferation and enhances collagen deposition, improving wound tensile strength and closure.
Antioxidant protection:
Flavonoids neutralize reactive oxygen species, protecting regenerating tissues from oxidative damage.
Ghrita-based delivery in deep wound healing
When Yashtimadhu is processed in ghrita, its active principles are:
- Enhanced in lipid solubility
- Delivered deeper into tissue layers
- Retained longer at wound sites
- Protected from rapid degradation
This makes Yashtimadhu ghrita especially effective in chronic ulcers, sinus tracts, and deep tissue infections.
Clinical applications in Dushta Vrana
Yashtimadhu ghrita is indicated in:
- Chronic non-healing ulcers
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Pressure sores
- Fistulous tracts
- Burn wounds
- Post-surgical infected wounds
- Inflammatory and necrotic wounds
Therapeutic advantages
- Deep tissue penetration
- Sustained drug release
- Moist wound environment maintenance
- Reduced pain and inflammation
- Enhanced granulation and epithelialization
- Reduced scar formation
Comparative role in wound healing
Ghrita-based formulations provide advantages over aqueous or powder-based applications:
- Better absorption in chronic wounds
- Improved stability of herbal actives
- Superior anti-inflammatory action in deep tissues
- Enhanced regenerative response
Conclusion
Ghrita-based formulations, particularly Yashtimadhu ghrita, represent a highly effective therapeutic approach in the management of Dushta Vrana. Their ability to deliver bioactive compounds deep into tissues, combined with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and regenerative actions, makes them ideal for chronic wound healing. Contemporary pharmacological evidence supports their classical Ayurvedic use, highlighting their relevance in integrative wound care strategies.
Reference:
- Dubey S, Dixit AK. Preclinical evidence of polyherbal formulations on wound healing: A systematic review on research trends and perspectives. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2023;14(2):100688. doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100688 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9988554/
- Wayal SR, Gurav SS. Evaluation of wound healing potential of Bhallatakadi Ghrita - cow ghee based polyherbal formulation: in-vivo excision and incision wound model. J Complement Integr Med. 2021 Mar 11;18(3):507-515. doi: 10.1515/jcim-2020-0179. PMID: 33691354. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33691354/