IMMUNOMODULATORY ROLE OF BASTI KARMA THROUGH GALT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS: A CONCEPTUAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

*Dr. Shruthi S.

ABSTRACT

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory bowel disease characterized by continuous inflammation of the colonic mucosa, leading to symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, tenesmus, and systemic manifestations. The disease arises from a complex interaction between genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, intestinal microbiota, and immune dysregulation. A crucial component of intestinal immune regulation is the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), which constitutes nearly 70% of the body’s immune system and plays a fundamental role in maintaining mucosal immune homeostasis. In ulcerative colitis, abnormal activation of mucosal immune cells within GALT leads to excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, disruption of epithelial barrier integrity, and chronic intestinal inflammation. Ayurveda describes gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders with clinical similarities to ulcerative colitis under disease entities such as Grahani, Pittaja Atisara, and Raktatisara, where impaired Agni (digestive metabolism), accumulation of Ama (metabolic toxins), and vitiation of Doshas—particularly Pitta and Vata—contribute to intestinal pathology. Among the Panchakarma procedures, Basti Karma is considered the most effective therapeutic modality for diseases originating in the Pakvashaya (large intestine), which is regarded as the principal seat of Vata Dosha. Classical Ayurvedic texts describe Basti as ―Ardha Chikitsa‖ (half of all therapeutic measures) due to its profound systemic effects and its ability to restore physiological balance. Recent biomedical insights suggest that rectally administered therapies can directly influence intestinal mucosal immunity through interactions with immune cells present in GALT. Basti formulations containing herbal decoctions, medicated oils, and bioactive phytoconstituents may exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory actions that help regulate cytokine activity, improve epithelial barrier function, and modulate gut microbiota. These mechanisms indicate a potential immunological basis for the therapeutic effects of Basti therapy in inflammatory bowel diseases. The present conceptual review aims to explore the immunomodulatory role of Basti Karma through GALT in the management of ulcerative colitis, integrating classical Ayurvedic principles with modern immunological understanding. This integrative approach may provide a theoretical framework for developing evidence-based Ayurvedic interventions for inflammatory bowel diseases and may open new avenues for translational research in integrative gastroenterology.

Keywords: Ulcerative colitis, Basti karma, GALT, Ayurveda, Immunomodulation, Inflammatory bowel disease.