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@article{193458,
        author = {Dr Adya Tripathi and Dr Lata D. Patil and Dr Sangram S. Mane and Dr. Pravina S. Adhikari},
        title = {Similarities and differences, relevence, treatment modalities and prognosis of Twak Vikaras by Acharya Charak wrt modern dermatological diseases and correlation with plasma SCFA levels.},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {10},
        pages = {5816-5823},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=193458},
        abstract = {The skin, as the body’s largest organ and first line of defense, reflects systemic health through its physiological and pathological states. Classical Ayurvedic texts, particularly the Charaka Samhita, conceptualize cutaneous disorders under the umbrella of Twak Vikaras, attributing them to disturbances of the Tridosha equilibrium and impaired digestive fire (Agni). Among these, Kitibha, Eka-Kushtha, and Vicharchika are strikingly analogous to psoriasis, chronic plaque disease, and atopic dermatitis in modern dermatology. While Ayurveda interprets these conditions through the lens of Dosha, Ama (toxic residue), and lifestyle imbalances, contemporary science emphasizes immune dysregulation, microbial imbalance, and genetic susceptibility. A compelling convergence arises in the recognition of the gut-skin axis, with short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)—notably butyrate, propionate, and acetate—emerging as pivotal immunomodulators that reduce inflammation, reinforce barrier function, and regulate T-cell responses. Diminished plasma SCFA levels in chronic dermatoses resonate with Charaka’s assertion that impaired digestion and systemic toxicity precipitate skin disease. Therapeutically, Ayurveda prescribes Shodhana (purificatory therapies such as Virechana and Raktamokshana) and Shamana (palliative measures with herbal formulations and dietary regimens), which parallel modern interventions including immunosuppressants, biologics, and SCFA-focused therapies. Prognostically, Ayurveda stratifies conditions as Sadhya, Yapya, or Asadhya, depending on chronicity and systemic strength—principles echoed by modern biomarker-based risk assessments, including plasma SCFA profiling. This comparative study underscores the complementarity of Ayurvedic and biomedical frameworks, highlighting SCFAs as a unifying molecular correlate to Ayurvedic doctrine. An integrative model may thus inform personalized dermatological care, bridging ancient insight with contemporary immunometabolic science.},
        keywords = {Ayurveda, Twak Vikaras, Charaka Samhita, Kitibha, Eka-Kushtha, Vicharchika, Psoriasis, Atopic dermatitis, Gut-skin axis, Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), Butyrate, Integrative dermatology.},
        month = {March},
        }