Integrative Management of Adverse Drug Reactions in Pulmonary Tuberculosis: An Ayurvedic Case Report and Phytochemical Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67440/ahj.vi.2110Keywords:
Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs), Anti-Tubercular Treatment (ATT), Ayurveda, Rajayakshma, Integrative Medicine, Sitopaladi Churna, Phytochemical Analysis, Bioenhancer (Piperine), Antitubercular Drug-Induced Liver Injury (ATDILI).Abstract
The efficient management of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is mainly contingent on strict patient compliance with first-line Anti-Tubercular Treatment (ATT). [1,2] Nonetheless, adverse drug reactions (ADRs)—spanning hepatotoxicity and peripheral neuropathy to considerable gastrointestinal distress and quick weight reduction—often result in treatment withdrawal, culminating in multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). [3,6] In Ayurveda, the pathophysiology of tuberculosis corresponds to Rajayakshma ("King of Diseases") and Kshaya (gradual tissue degeneration). [4] Conventional Ayurvedic medicines aim to restore digestive fire (Agni), eradicate channel blockages (Srotorodha), and cure systemic tissue deterioration (Dhatukshaya). [5] A 30-year-old lady reported severe involuntary weight loss (decreasing from 41 kg to 33 kg), shortness of breath, and continuing thoracic discomfort. After a chest X-ray revealed the existence of active pulmonary tuberculosis, traditional antitubercular medication was initiated. The patient then had incapacitating adverse medication reactions, such as chronic nausea, hair loss, muscle spasms, and acute tiredness, which remained after conventional treatment changes.
Interventions: An integrative, phase-based Ayurvedic adjunctive program was designed with ATT. Phase 1 covered the administration of Sitopaladi Churna and Mahamrugank Rasa combined with goat milk (Aja Dugdha). Phase 2 amalgamated Mahalaxmi Vilas with a composite herbal composition including Abhrak Bhasma, Srunga Churna, Pushkarmool (Inula racemosa), and Sitopaladi Churna blended with honey.
Results: During a four-month timeframe, the patient displayed alleviation of ATT-related gastrointestinal toxicity, stability and reversal of weight reduction, relief from neuromuscular spasms, and considerable enhancement in respiratory metrics.
Conclusion: Ayurvedic adjuvants—specifically Sitopaladi Churna combined with biocompatible vehicles—mitigate ATT toxicity through antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and bioenhancing pathways, presenting a feasible option for maintaining uninterrupted antitubercular treatment.
