Evaluation of Haridra Khanda as a Safe and Effective Therapy for Urticaria: A Single arm study

Abstract

Background: Urticaria, clinically correlated with Sheetapitta, Udarda, and Kotha in Ayurveda, is a
recurrent inflammatory dermatosis characterized by transient wheals, pruritus, and variable systemic
involvement. Chronic cases often show relapsing patterns and incomplete response to conventional
therapy. Haridrakhanda, a classical Ayurvedic formulation indicated in allergic dermatoses, has been
traditionally used in such conditions; however, systematic clinical evaluation remains limited. The present
study aimed to assess the therapeutic efficacy of Haridrakhanda in patients with urticaria through detailed
clinical and laboratory evaluation.
Materials and Methods: A clinical therapeutic study was conducted on 20 diagnosed cases of
urticaria. Haridrakhanda was administered orally in a dose of 15 g daily in three divided doses for a
duration of 2–3 weeks. Assessment parameters included regression of lesions, relief in symptoms such as
pruritus and erythema, eosinophil count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), fractional test meal
analysis for free hydrochloric acid, and electrocardiographic (ECG) changes. Pre- and post-treatment
values were statistically analyzed to determine therapeutic significance.
Results: Among chronic cases, 70.6% achieved complete clinical remission, while 23.6% showed
marked improvement. Significant reduction in mean eosinophil count was observed (P < 0.05), along with
a highly significant decrease in ESR (P < 0.005). Patients with baseline hypochlorhydria demonstrated
highly significant elevation in free hydrochloric acid levels across all sampling intervals (P < 0.001),
indicating restoration of gastric secretory function. Improvement in T-wave abnormalities on ECG was
noted in the majority of responsive cases. No cases of clinical deterioration or significant adverse reactions
were observed during therapy.
Conclusion: Haridrakhanda demonstrated significant clinical and laboratory improvement in
urticaria, particularly in chronic cases. The therapy showed systemic benefits reflected by reduction in
inflammatory markers and restoration of digestive function, supporting its role as a safe and effective
Ayurvedic intervention in the management of urticaria.