Ayurvedic Principle of Vrana (Diabetic Foot Ulcer)

Abstract

Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) is one of the most common and serious complications of diabetes mellitus, often leading to infection, gangrene, and amputation due to neuropathy and micro-macrovascular complications associated with chronic hyperglycemia. In Ayurveda, such non-healing ulcers can be correlated with Dushta Vrana, which results from Prameha, Rakta dushti, and Meda dushti. Ayurveda describes various treatment modalities for Dushta Vrana, including Shodhana, Ropana, Raktamokshana, Vrana prakshalana, and internal medications. This case report presents 66 yrs old female patient with a chronic non–healing ulcer above right medial malleolus associated with pain around ulcer. The patient is a known case of Type II Diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The ulcer was managed by Ayurvedic medicines and local wound care. After a treatment period of several weeks, significant improvement was observed in pain, discharge, slough, and wound size, followed by healthy granulation tissue formation and complete wound healing without complications. This case demonstrates that Ayurvedic management based on Dushta Vrana and Prameha Chikitsa Siddhanta can be effective in the management of diabetic foot ulcer and may help in preventing complications like amputation and recurrent infection.