University of Colombo e-Repository

UCER (University of Colombo Electronic Repository) is a collection of scientific research publications by researchers at the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. This e-Repository serves to manage, preserve and make available the academic works of the faculty, postgraduate students, and research groups. The collection includes faculty publications, master's and doctoral theses abstracts. This repository is updated regularly, and new works are added to collections on a continuous basis

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Recent Submissions

Ayurvedic Management of Arvachina Bhagandara: A Case Study
(Postgraduate Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, 2026) Vithanagamage, P.S.M.; WickWickramanayake, W.A.A.P.
Bhagandara, classified among the Ashta Mahagada in Ayurveda, analogous to fistula-in-ano in contemporary surgical practice. It is characterized by chronic purulent discharge, perineal pain, and a high recurrence rate. Ksharasutra, a medicated alkaline thread, exerts combined actions of cutting, curetting, wound healing, and infection control invasive Ayurvedic surgical intervention. A 46-year-old male presented with a 4-month history of perianal pain and burning sensation following defecation, and a 3-month history of persistent purulent anal discharge. Symptoms followed a febrile episode and subsequent incision and drainage of a submucosal abscess. Despite allopathic management, complete resolution was not achieved. On admission to the Pallekele Ayurveda Hospital, the patient was diagnosed with Bhagandara. Surgical management involved Chedana Karma was performed at the 6 o'clock position, followed by Ksharasutra application. The thread was changed periodically, with internal medications and external Panchawalkala Avagaha. Post-operative care included Sudarshana Choorna, Amrutha Guggulu, Triphala Guggulu, and Kaishora Guggulu. The patient demonstrated progressive reduction in purulent discharge, perineal pain, and burning sensation, with ongoing healing at the time of follow-up. This case highlights Ksharasutra therapy as an effective, minimally invasive, and recurrence-preventive approach for fistula in ano, though longer follow-up is required to confirm complete recovery.
Effectiveness of an Ayurveda Treatment Regimen in the Management of Thrombosed Pile Mass: A Case Study
(Postgraduate Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, 2026) Bandara, M.R.L.M.; Wickramanayake, W.A.A.P.
Arsha, extensively described in Ayurveda classics, is a chronic anorectal disorder caused by the vitiation of Tridosha, particularly Vata and Pitta, along with impaired Agni, chronic constipation, and venous congestion. It closely resembles hemorrhoids in contemporary medicine. A 42-year-old male presented with painful prolapsed masses at the anal verge, associated with a five-year history of constipation and intermittent rectal bleeding. Clinical examination revealed irreducible thrombosed external hemorrhoidal masses at the 3 and 7 o’clock positions. The patient was treated with Dhanya Panchaka Kashaya 60 ml twice daily, Avipatthikara Choorna 1 teaspoon twice daily, Navarathna Kalkaya ¼ teaspoon twice daily, and Dhatri Choorna 1 teaspoon at bedtime to promote Agni Deepana, pacify Vata, and regulate bowel habits. External application of Lunuwila (Bacopa monnieri) paste prepared with sesame oil, Panchavalkala decoction sitz baths, and 10 ml of Narayana Taila Vasti were administered to reduce inflammation and facilitate tissue healing. Significant clinical improvement was observed from the second day of treatment. Pain, swelling, and discomfort gradually subsided, and complete resolution of symptoms was achieved by the twelfth day. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of Lunuwila as a topical anti-inflammatory and wound-healing agent and highlights the importance of a multimodal Ayurveda treatment approach in the management of advanced internal and external hemorrhoids. Further clinical studies are warranted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this treatment regimen in a larger patient population.
Effectiveness of Unani Therapeutic Management in Waram e Am’a (Ulcerative Colitis) -Preliminary Clinical Observation Case Report
(Postgraduate Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, 2026) Hafeel, M.H.M.; Rizwana, A.A.
Ulcerative colitis is a multifactorial disease characterized by frequent remission and relapse. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon. Distribution of ulcerative colitis has shown an early onset at 10-20 years of age and a smaller peak at 50-80 years of age. About 25% of patients present before 20 years of age. Clinical presentation of ulcerative colitis coincides with Waram e Am’a in Unani Medicine.Unani treatment for ulcerative colitis can help to protect and restore the digestive tract against the damage and prevent further complications of this disease. This case study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Unani therapeutic management for a diagnosed case of ulcerative colitis since 2024. This case report focused on a 42-year-old male who presented with passage of bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and tenesmus. Diagnosis was confirmed by colonoscopy report and histopathology report at a private allopathic hospital. Treatment was commenced with selected Unani medicine after discontinuing the modern medication. After one month of treatment, the clinical condition improved significantly without any complications. Post treatment follow up revealed no remission. This case study demonstrates the effectiveness of the Unani therapeutic management for ulcerative colitis. Therefore, further comprehensive clinical studies need to be conducted to validate the effectiveness and efficacy of the Unani therapeutic management for ulcerative colitis.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Sahachara oil Kati Vasti and Sinhasya Danthi Kashaya in the Management of Gridhrasi; A Case Series
(Postgraduate Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, 2026) Rajakaruna, B.G.M.K.; Jayawardhane, N.D.N.
Gridhrasi is a pain predominant most prevailing health problem which has categorized under Vata Vyadhi in Ayurvedic literature. The Gridhrasi suggests an abnormal gait in the patient, similar to that of a vulture, due to the effect of the Gridhrasi Nadi. Signs and symptoms of Gridhrasi closely enumerated with the symptoms of Sciatica which is described in modern medicine. In the present era the incidence rate of lower back pain is quite significant, affecting more than 75% of the world population. Most of the conventional systems of medicines have short term pain relief treatments or the surgical interventions which may lead to postoperative complications or adverse effects. In Ayurveda, it has various treatment modalities for the Gridhrasi disease based on the holistic approach. Among them Vata shamana treatment has focused to reduce the pain and abnormal gait of the patient. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Sinhasya Danthi decoction along with Sahachara oil Kati Vasti for two weeks including before treatments, after day 7, and at the end of the treatment. The Straight Leg Raising Test (SLRT), lumbar sacral range of motion and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) served as assesment critaria, with lumbar sacal x-ray used for diagnosis. At the end of the treatment, patients showed increased SLRT, reduced VAS score and improved quality of life achieving approximately 85% pain relief and 90% improvement in restricted movements. The findings suggest potential benefits for future treatment strategies.
Comprehensive Ayurvedic Management of Ardita (Bell’s palsy): A Case Study
(Postgraduate Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, 2026) Rathnayake, R.L.Y.U.; Kumari, S.M.M.W.
Bell’s palsy is an acute idiopathic lower motor neuron paralysis of the facial nerve, characterized by unilateral facial weakness and facial asymmetry. In Ayurveda, this condition correlates with Ardita, a disease described under Vata Vyadhi. The present case study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive Ayurveda treatment protocol of Shirsha-Mukha Abhyanga with Mahanarayana Taila, Pottali Swedana, Upanaha Swedana and Nasya with Anu Taila along with selected internal Ayurvedic medications, in the management of Ardita. A 45-year-old female patient presented at the Indoor Patient Department (IPD) of Ayurveda Hospital, Rathnapura, Sri Lanka, with left-side facial weakness of four days duration. She was diagnosed as Ardita presented with facial asymmetry, incomplete closure of the left eye, absence of forehead wrinkling, drooping of the angle of the mouth, slurred speech, dribbling of saliva, and difficulty in mastication. Following written informed consent, the patient received a 28-day treatment regimen combined with selected internal Ayurvedic medications. A two-week follow-up period was maintained. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the House-Brackmann Facial Nerve Grading System before and after treatment. Significant improvement was observed in all assessed clinical parameters, including the nasolabial fold, slurring of speech, dribbling of saliva, and trapping of food between the gums and cheeks. The smiling sign showed marked improvement, and the facial nerve grading improved from grade V to grade I. Based on the results, the study concluded that comprehensive management with Shirsha-Mukha Abhyanga, Pottali Swedana, Upanaha Swedana, and Nasya Karma is effective in the management of Ardita Roga (Bell’s Palsy).