Background: Tuberculosis is a global public health crisis. 25% of worlds TB cases are found in India. Ayurveda, an ancient medical science may offer some solution to this problem hence a systematic review was carried out to assess the role of Ayurveda for the management of Tuberculosis. Methodology: A systematic review was carried out using published literature obtained through PUBMED till April 2015. The key words used for literature search include Ayurveda, role and Tuberculosis. Results and Discussion: It was observed that a couple of single and compound drugs have been used for the management of tuberculosis. However none of the studies could reflect the true anti-tubercular activities of any drug, both single and compound. Two of the studies revealed in vitro anti-tubercular properties of some herbs which can potentially be brought in to the realm of clinical trial to test their efficacy in human subject. Most of these Ayurvedic therapeutic preparations studied at different clinical settings primarily reflected their adjunct properties for the management of Tuberculosis. These studies revealed that Ayurvedic therapeutics were able to reduce associated symptoms and the adverse drug effects of ATDs (Antitubercular Drugs). Furthermore some of the preparations showed potential hepato-protective properties that can be simultaneously administered with ATDs. Conclusion: Distressingly research on the role of Ayurveda in the management of Tuberculosis is very scanty and mostly limited to adjunct or supportive therapy. Being a global public health crisis, it is highly recommended to carry out clinical trials on Tuberculosis patients by using Ayurvedic drugs and therapeutic regimens.
Key words: Adjunct therapy, Ayurveda, Herbal Drugs, Rajayakshma, Tuberculosis
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