World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

“AN AYURVEDIC REVIEW OF PITTAJA MŪTRAKṚCCHRA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS”

*Dr. Sharik Mulla

ABSTRACT

Background: M?trak?cchra is a well-documented urological disorder in Ayurveda, characterized by painful and difficult micturition. Among its subtypes, Pittaja M?trak?cchra is dominated by Pitta features such as burning sensation during urination, yellow or reddish discoloration of urine, thirst, and feverishness. In contemporary medicine, these symptoms closely resemble Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), particularly acute cystitis. Objectives: This review aims to analyze Ayurvedic perspectives of Pittaja M?trak?cchra and correlate them with modern concepts of UTI, focusing on etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and management. Methods: Classical Ayurvedic treatises, nighantus, and commentaries were critically reviewed alongside recent biomedical literature on UTIs. Relevant studies, guidelines, and conceptual analyses were synthesized to develop an integrative perspective. Results: Pittaja M?trak?cchra is attributed to vitiation of Pitta do?a in the Mutravaha srotas due to factors like intake of hot, pungent, sour food, alcohol, and suppression of natural urges. The clinical features—burning micturition, discolored urine, and painful voiding—correspond with dysuria, frequency, and pyuria of UTI. Modern medicine identifies uropathogenic Escherichia coli as the predominant cause, with diagnosis based on symptoms, urinalysis, and culture when indicated. Management in Ayurveda emphasizes Pitta-?amana and mutrala dravyas such as Gok?ura, Chandana, ??riv?, and Yashtimadhu, along with ??tala measures, while modern therapy relies on timely antibiotics like nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin, guided by resistance profiles. Integrative care may improve symptom relief, reduce recurrence, and support antimicrobial stewardship. Conclusion: Pittaja M?trak?cchra shares significant clinical overlap with uncomplicated UTIs. While Ayurveda highlights do?a-specific management with cooling and diuretic therapies, modern medicine provides targeted antimicrobial strategies. An integrative, evidence-based approach—prioritizing safety and rational use of antibiotics—offers promise for optimizing outcomes and minimizing recurrence.

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