A Review on Laghukhadira Vatika: An Ayurvedic Formulation for Oral Diseases

Abstract

Oral diseases are the most common non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and affect people in all age groups throughout their lifetime, causing pain, discomfort, and chronic systemic disease. In Ayurveda, 65 number of Mukharoga (oral diseases) have seven anatomic positions-eight on the lips, 15 on the alveolar margin, eight in connection with the teeth, five on the tongue, nine on the palate, 17 in the oropharynx and three in a whole mouth described by Acharya Sushruta. and Acharya Vagbhata mentioned 75 types of Mukharoga (oral diseases) in 8 sites one extra- Ganda roga (diseases of a face). However, primarily teeth and gums diseases are closely associated with Shotha and Sula (inflammation and pain). Shitada and Upkusha are the diseases of Dantamula (gums) having foul smell, a cardinal clinical feature. Laghukhadira Vatika (LKV) is a polyherbal ayurvedic medicine mentioned for treating oral diseases by acharya Chakrapani Datta for the first time, then the same followed by other authors with different names of the same formulation and their disease indications and applications. It consists of Acacia catechu Willd and Cinnamomum camphor Nees. and Eberm, Myristica fragrans Houtt., Areca catechu Linn. and Piper cubeba Linn. F., Different fractions of extracts of each drug and isolated phytochemicals have potent Krmighna (anti-bacterial), astringent, and Shothahar (anti-inflammatory) activities, as proven by many studies. It is generally used for Mouth ulcers, Pharyngitis (Sore throat), Halitosis and other diseases of teeth, gums, and sore throat, etc. The present survey is aimed to determine the Laghukhadira Vatika against oral diseases.