Abstract
Background: Amavata is a disease that occurs as a result of the error of metabolism. Poor dietary habits and faulty Dincharya (daily regimen) and ritucharya (seasonal regimen) leading to deranged metabolism and Agni (metabolic fire) which results in the formation of Ama(undigested product of metabolism). When Amaconceals with Vata(subtle energy associated with movement) and circulates in the body under the influence of Vyana Vayu (omnipresent air)it clogs the srotasas (microchannels) and initiates the inflammatory cascade. Amavata is commonly correlated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) while other forms of auto-immune disorders can also be included in Amavata.Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota (GM) has been connected to the onset of diverse autoimmune diseases. In this study, it was hypothesized that Panchakarma (bio-purificatory methods) based intervention such as Virechana Karma (therapeutic purgation) may influence microbiota. Materials and Methods: Various Ayurvedic literature were reviewed for the etiopathogenesis of Amavata. Different databases were searched with research papers related to Gut Dysbiosis and autoimmunity and management of RA. A connecting link between Intestinal Dysbiosis with the autoimmune mechanisms was established and it was also found that the bowel cleansing introduced a change to the GM. Conclusion: It was concluded that Virechana karma is effective in gut flora Dysbiosis. This study aims to correlate the ancient Ayurvedic principles related to Agni Bala(metabolic energy) and biopurificatory treatment modalities like Virechana karma (therapeutic purgation)with the modern concept of gut microbiota and its role in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. The article creates an understanding about principles of Ayurveda and its rationality in today's scientific world and thereby opens newer vistas of research in therapeutics from Ayurveda, which may be helpful in the management of various immune-mediated Diseases through Ayurveda.