HTML Full Text

Introduction

Crohn’s disease is a chronic and relapsing idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by skip lesions and transmural inflammation that can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus.[1] It is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, other type being Ulcerative Colitis. IBD has been classified into auto-immune disorder with its cause being unknown. The incidence of Crohn’s disease has a bimodal distribution with the onset occurring most frequently between two different age groups - 15 to 30 years and 40 to 60 years.[2]  

Pathogenesis of this disease results from the interactions of following factors that leads disruption of the intestinal mucosa:

1. Environmental factors
2. Immune system
3. Susceptibility genes
4. Host’s microbiome changes

It runs a relapsing and remitting course. While relapsing multiple times the CD can progress from initially mild to moderate inflammatory conditions to severe penetrating or stricturing disease. Following are the main symptoms of CD[3][4]:

1. Abdominal pain, that is the hallmark of CD and is dependent upon anatomic location
2. Diarrhea
3. Weight loss
4. Blood, mucus or both in stools
5. flatulence/bloating
6. Fever
7. Anaemia
8. Fatigue
9. Decreased appetite during periods of disease exacerbation

Its extraintestinal manifestations are:

1. Peripheral arthritis
2. Aphthous stomatitis
3. Ankylosing spondylitis
4. Psoriasis etc.

RATIONALE

1. Sustainable solutions for management of symptoms and progression of Crohn’s disease is required in today’s era.
2. Takra (Buttermilk) being economic, easily available, affordable and commonly consumable Aahar Dravya in India can be one of the best solutions to manage various symptoms of this disease.
3. The properties of Takra make it an ideal Aahar as well as Aushadhi dravya in managing symptoms of CD.

METHODS

Various research articles were reviewed to understand the concept of Crohn’s Disease in Modern Science and Ayurveda. Ayurvedic Classics like Charak Samhita, Madhav Nidan and Ashtang Hruday were reviewed to understand the concepts of Agni, Aam, Grahani and Sangrahani. Charak Samhita, Bhavprakash Nighantu and Sushruta Sanhita were referred to understand the properties of Takra. Various research articles were also referred to understand the role of Takra in GIT disorders and its composition and properties in Modern science.

OBSERVATION & RESULTS

By studying the overall manifestations of Crohn’s disease, the Lakshanas of Grahani rog and Sangrahani Rog can be co-related with the overall general symptoms of Crohn’s disease.

Co-relation with Grahani Rog and references is as follows [5][6][7]:

The chronicity of CD along with the relapse of the episodes of this disease can be co-related with Sangrahani Rog as follows [8]:

Properties of Takra as per Ayurveda Samhitas is as follows [9][10][11[12]]:

By studying the above properties of Takra, it can help manage symptoms of Crohn’s disease in following ways:

As per modern research articles the anti-inflammatory activity of buttermilk minimizes intestinal inflammation, it may reduce symptoms such as abdominal pain and discomfort. Probiotic action manages diarrhea, help strengthen the digestive system and the immunity of the body.[13] It is a rich source of Calcium and Potassium that helps strengthen bones. It is a rich source of Vit. B12 that helps to reduce stress and anemia. Potassium, vitamin B-12, calcium, phosphorous and probiotics present in buttermilk help strengthen the digestive system and the immunity of the body. Riboflavin (Vit B2) and Vit B12 provides energy to combat fatigue caused by CD. Buttermilk is very easy in digestion so it is suggested in the digestive problems. The lactic acid of buttermilk is much friendly on digestive tract

than that of lactose of whole milk.[14] Hence overall it is a Superfood to combat CD in long term.

Discussion

Crohn’s disease shows symptoms that closely resemble the Ayurvedic descriptions of Grahani and Sangrahani, especially in terms of digestive disturbances and inflammatory bowel issues. From an Ayurvedic perspective, the samprapti (pathogenesis) of Crohn’s disease can therefore be co-related with the disturbances seen in these conditions. Takra (buttermilk), which is traditionally recommended both as aahar (diet) and aushadha (medicine) for Grahani roga, becomes an important dietary option here. Its kashaya rasa and madhura vipaka help to calm aggravated Pitta dosha, reducing inflammation and associated pain. Meanwhile, the combination of amla rasa, madhura vipaka, and ushna virya works to pacify Vata dosha, thereby helping relieve abdominal cramps, flatulence, and even joint pain. Additionally, its deepana and grahi properties support digestion, reduce diarrhea, and help manage blood or mucus in stools. The nourishing nature of madhura vipaka also supports patients experiencing fatigue and weight loss. Its deepana karma further helps improve appetite and tackle low-grade fever.

Conclusion

Considering both Ayurvedic principles and modern scientific evidence, buttermilk stands out as a supportive dietary component in the management of Crohn’s disease. Its ability to balance Vata and Pitta, improve digestion, and nourish the body makes it a suitable pathya (wholesome dietary choice) for such patients. Modern research also confirms that buttermilk promotes gut health[15], aligning with Ayurvedic recommendations. Thus, incorporating Takra into the daily diet may help alleviate several symptoms and improve overall digestive well-being in individuals with Crohn’s disease.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who supported me throughout this research. I am deeply thankful to my guide Dr. Manoj Kadam sir for their constant encouragement, valuable insights, and patience during every stage of this work. I also appreciate my friends and family for motivating me and believing in me even when the process felt challenging. Their support truly made this research possible.