To Study The Effect Of Arka Yoni Kshara Lepa And Apamarga Yoni Kshara Lepa In Karnini Yonivyapath Vis-A-Vis Cervical Erosion - An Open Labelled Comparative Clinical Study

Background: Karnini Yonivyapath described in Ayurveda closely resembles cervical erosion (cervical ectropion) in modern gynecology. It is a common benign condition among women of reproductive age, presenting with excessive vaginal discharge, pruritis vulvae, pelvic pain, and backache, thereby affecting quality of life. Conventional treatments such as cauterization and cryotherapy, though effective, are often associated with pain, recurrence, and cervical scarring. Ayurveda describes Kshara Karma as a minimally invasive local therapeutic procedure with Lekhana, Shodhana, and Ropana properties, indicated in Yonivyapath. Among various Ksharas, Arka and Apamarga are traditionally advocated, warranting scientific evaluation. Methodology: An open-labelled comparative clinical study was conducted on 40 married women diagnosed with Karnini Yonivyapath, selected from the OPD and IPD of PTSR, JSS Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital, Mysuru. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of 20 each. Group A received Arka Yoni Kshara Lepa, while Group B received Apamarga Yoni Kshara Lepa. Assessment was based on subjective parameters such as quantity and consistency of vaginal discharge and pruritis vulvae, along with objective parameters including area, size, and appearance of cervical erosion. Evaluations were done at baseline, Day 7, and Day 14, and statistical analysis was carried out using appropriate nonparametric tests. Observations: Both groups showed statistically significant improvement in all assessed parameters (p < 0.05). Reduction in vaginal discharge, pruritis vulvae, and cervical erosion was observed in both groups. However, Group B demonstrated a higher percentage of improvement across most parameters compared to Group A. Conclusion: Both Arka and Apamarga Yoni Kshara Lepa are effective in the management of Karnini Yonivyapath. Apamarga Yoni Kshara Lepa showed comparatively superior efficacy, supporting Kshara Lepa as a safe, effective, and minimally invasive Ayurvedic alternative in cervical erosion.