A clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of Katupila Arka in post operative fistulotomy wound

Post-operative fistulotomy wound is a surgically created wound for the better healing of fistulous tract. It is considered as the standard treatment modality for fistula in ano and is the most widely performed procedure. The healing of the fistulotomy wound is a challenging task as the chances of infection is more because of its contaminated nature. This can be related to Vrana in Ayurveda and can be managed. There is a need for drugs which have Vrana Shodhaka and Vrana Ropaka properties. Katupila (Securinega leucopyrus (Wild.) Muell) has all the above said properties due to the presence of various phytochemical agents. It’s having a broad spectrum anti-microbial activity. References from a previous work done on Katupila Kalka indicate that, it is effective for the management of diabetic wound. Keeping the practical difficulty in the preparation of Kalka on daily basis, Arka Kalpana is adopted as an alternate method here. Katupila Arka showed marked ulcer regression during the course of treatment than Povidone Iodine which could be attributed to Vrana Shodana and Ropana property. It renders Shodhana (Cleansing/ Purification) action by virtue of its Kashaya and Tikta Rasas, Laghu, Ruksha, Tikshna Gunas, Ushna Veerya and Katu Vipaka. Ropana (Tissue healing / Regeneration) by virtue of its Kashaya and Madhura Anurasa and overall, by Prabhava. Tannins, Flavonoids, Phenol, Saponins and Alkaloids are present in the trial drug which enhances the wound healing property.