“Tamaka Shwasa (Bronchial Asthma): A Review of Classical Ayurvedic Literature and Recent Scientific Evidence”

Abstract

Background: Tamaka Shwasa is one among the five varieties of Shwasa Roga mentioned in Ayurveda, clinically resembling with bronchial asthma with recurring bouts of dyspnea, wheezing, cough, chest tightness and respiratory distress. This is mostly a Vata-Kapha predominate disease affecting the Pranavaha Srotas. Bronchial asthma continues to be a serious public health problem globally, due to its chronic inflammatory nature, growing prevalence, recurring exacerbations and effect on quality of life. The classical Ayurvedic texts have described the etiology (Nidana), pathogenesis (Samprapti), clinical features (Lakshana), prognosis and management of Tamaka Shwasa in detail. The recent scientific studies have been done on the pharmacological and clinical efficacy of Ayurvedic interventions in the management of asthma. Objective: The present study attempts to critically assess the ancient Ayurvedic description of Tamaka Shwasa and link with the contemporary knowledge of bronchial asthma. It also examines current scientific evidence on the usefulness of Ayurvedic herbal medicines, Panchakarma treatments, food management and life style interventions. Methods: Classical literature of Ayurveda including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya and other relevant Nighantus were used for systematic narrative review. The recent scientific literature was obtained from the peer reviewed journals and electronic databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, AYUSH Research Portal and other indexed sources. Review of the important research on the biology, pharmacology, clinical effectiveness and integrative therapy of bronchial asthma. Results: The review shows a tight association between Tamaka Shwasa and bronchial asthma in terms of genesis, symptomatology, course of the disease and its recurring character. The Ayurvedic management emphasizes on Nidana Parivarjana, Agni correction, Ama elimination, Dosha balance restoration, Shodhana therapies like Vamana and Shamana medications like Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), Pippali (Piper longum), Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum), Pushkaramoola (Inula racemosa), Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and classical formulations like Sitopaladi Churna, Talisadi Churna and Agastya Haritaki Avaleha.