The stand-alone Ayurveda treatment for the management of COVID-associated mucormycosis (CAM): a case report.

Mucormycosis is a rapidly progressive opportunistic fungal infection predominantly affecting individuals with diabetes or immune compromise. To our knowledge, this report presents one of the first clinically documented cases of invasive Mucormycosis managed exclusively with an Ayurveda-based approach. A 60-year-old male with recent COVID-19 infection (CT severity score 7/25) presented with facial heaviness, lacrimation, and peripheral vision loss. Diagnostic evaluation confirmed invasive mucormycosis through potassium hydroxide testing, histopathology demonstrating vasculoinvasion, fungal culture identifying Mucor species, and radiological findings. Surgical intervention including eye enucleation was advised. Following informed decision-making, the patient opted for stand-alone Ayurvedic management. A structured therapeutic regimen was administered over 15 days and continued for 90 days. The patient demonstrated progressive symptomatic improvement with no reported adverse events. At the three-year follow-up, there was no evidence of clinical recurrence. Laboratory parameters, including liver and renal function, remained within normal limits. Follow-up imaging indicated resolution with residual structural changes. This case documents a rare and complex clinical scenario managed with an Ayurveda-based approach, demonstrating sustained clinical and radiological improvement. While the findings do not permit generalisation, they highlight a state of clinical equipoise and underscore the need for rigorously designed studies to systematically evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and potential role of Ayurveda-based interventions in the management of invasive mucormycosis.