“Improvement in Fecal Calprotectin Levels as a Surrogate Marker of Disease Control in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Insights from Ayurveda Basti Chikitsa.”

Background: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) encompasses Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Modern medicine attributes IBD to genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental triggers. Ayurveda interprets these conditions under Grahani Roga, Parinaam Shoola, Anadrava Shoola, and Adhoga Amlapitta — all linked to impaired Agni (digestive fire), vitiated Vata and Pitta, and accumulation of Ama (toxins). Basti Chikitsa, medicated enema therapy, is considered the prime treatment for vata disorders and directly targets the colon,association of pitta could explian the inflamatory process at  the seat of pathology in IBD.

Introduction: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, both chronic, relapsing inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Ayurveda interprets Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) through the lens of classical conditions described in the texts. As of 2026, global prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is estimated at around 230 per 100,000 people worldwide, with approximately 1.4 million cases reported globally. In the United States alone, between 2.4–3.1 million people live with IBD, and incidence continues to rise in India and other developing regions.Incidence of Crohn’s disease slightly more common in men (1.2:1).Rapidly increasing, especially in urban areas, linked to dietary changes, stress, and lifestyle factors.

Ayurveda identifies IBD as a manifestation of vata‑kapha imbalance, impaired Agni (digestive fire), and accumulation of Ama (toxins).

The parallels told in ayurveda classics are quite rich:

  • Grahani Roga: Rooted in mandagni (weak digestive fire) and ama (toxic byproducts).Symptoms like chronic diarrhea, mucus in stool, and malabsorption overlap with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
  • Anadrava Shoola: Pain in the abdomen without proper digestion of food. Reflects the cramping and discomfort seen in IBD flares.
  • Parinaam Shoola: Pain occurring after digestion, linked to vata imbalance. Comparable to post‑prandial pain in Crohn’s disease.
  • Adhoga Amlapitta: Downward movement of aggravated pitta causing acidity, burning, and diarrhea.

Mirrors the inflammatory and erosive pathology of ulcerative colitis. Ayurveda thus frames IBD not as a single entity but as a spectrum of grahani‑related disorders, each reflecting imbalance in Agni, Vata, and Pitta.BD manifests with diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, weight loss, and fatigue, often with relapsing flares.Conventional therapies (immunosuppressants, biologics, surgery) provide relief but carry risks of side effects and incomplete remission.Ayurveda emphasizes restoring balance through detoxification, pacification of doshas, and strengthening of digestive fire.Conventional management relies on immunosuppressants, biologics, and surgery, but long‑term remission remains challenging. Complications-Up to 15% of IBD patients develop colorectal cancer.30% of Crohn’s patients develop strictures.40% develop perianal disease. With such is the long term complications Ayurveda could help in preventing the recurrence and avoid the further complications. Basti chikitsa uses herbal decoctions (Niruha Basti) and oils (Anuvasana Basti) to: Reduce colonic inflammation. Detoxify accumulated Ama. Nourish mucosa and regulate bowel function. Balance vata, thereby reducing pain and irregularity. This is why Basti Chikitsa is emphasized — it directly addresses vata derangement in the colon, while also pacifying pitta and clearing ama. Basti Chikitsa — medicated enema therapy — is considered the prime treatment for vata disorders, directly addressing colon pathology and systemic imbalances.

Case report :Patient: Mr. Ss, 24‑year‑old male. Symptoms: Chronic diarrhea, abdominal cramps, pain, fatigue. Clinical suspicion: Crohn’s disease (terminal ileitis).