Ayurvedic perspective with therapeutic role of classical medicines in malaria

Abstract

The Malaria is caused by Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P.ovale and P. malariae. It is transmitted by the bite of female anopheline mosquitoes. The prevalence occur throughout the tropics and subtropics below 1500 metres. As per WHO reported in 2024, more than 282 million cases of reported worldwide, which is increase of 9 million from previous year, 2023. In Ayurveda, Concept of Jwara is different what is known in modern medicine, raised body temperature. In Chraka samhita it is mentioned that Santap of Deha (body), Indriya (sense organs) and Mana (mind) is called as Jwara. It is condition in which body, sense organs and mind suffer because of raised body temperature. In Ancient science Ayurveda on the basis of similarities in sign and symptoms malaria correlated with Vishama Jawara, which indicates irregular fever. Malaria incubation period varies as per Malarial Parasite, from 8-25 days in all four Plasmodium. Symptoms developed in Malaria like malaise, vomiting, headache which often mistaken for influenza. Cough with mild diarrhoea are also common. Jaundice is also common due to haemolysis and hepatic dysfunction. In Ayurveda there are medicines which are know to be used against Plasmodium. This study is an attempt to review etiology, distribution, malarial cell cycle, Ayurvedic interpretation, clinical features, treatment along with ayurvedic medicine review.