Ayurvedic management of Hyperuricemia without Dietary Modification: A Case Study

Hyperuricemia is a common metabolic disorder affecting individuals across all age groups and genders. Uric acid is the final oxidation product of purine metabolism, tends to accumulate in the body, and the deposition of monosodium urate and monohydrate crystals in joints and periarticular tissues leads to condition called Gout. Presence of deposition of uric acid crystals and elevated serum uric acid levels is cardinal feature of Gout, which cause severe pain and inflammation in the affected joints. Conventional management includes analgesics, glucocorticoids, and uric acid–lowering therapies such as xanthine oxidase inhibitors and uricosuric agents, yet the condition often remains difficult to manage effectively. In Ayurveda, the clinical presentation of gout closely resembles Vata-Rakta, in which vitiated Vata and Rakta Dosha both localized in multiple joints. This article presents a case study of a 62-year-old male patient presented with complaints of bilateral knee and ankle joint pain, severe swelling of the ankles and right great toe, and elevated serum uric acid levels. He had been experiencing progressive symptoms for three months. For Ayurvedic management, he was administered Shamana Chikitsa with oral medications along with three sittings of Jalaukavcharana (leech therapy) for 21 days. Remarkable improvement was observed, with serum uric acid levels reducing from 11.2 mg/dL to 5.1 mg/dL, accompanied by significant reduction in pain, swelling, discoloration and stiffness. The therapy was carried out without any dietary modifications and no adverse effects were noted during or after treatment. This case demonstrates that Ayurvedic management, combining Shamana Chikitsa and Raktamokshana, can provide effective and safe results in Vata-Rakta (Gout). Observation and results were drawn based on assessment criteria. Discussion was done based on entire observations during research. Conclusion was drawn based on result.