Abstract

A CLINICAL STUDY ON THE COMBINED EFFECTIVENESS OF SHATYADI KALKA WITH VARSHABHU KASHAYA AS ANUPANA AND VAITARANA BASTI IN AMAVATA (RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS)

Rekha R.*, Vasantha B., Mutappa Totad and Rajouri Joshi

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Abstract

Background: Amavata is an autoimmune disorder caused by Ama and Vata resulting in Lakshanas like Agnimandhya, Angamarda, Aruchi, Trishna, Alasya, Gaurava, Jwara, Nidraviparyaya, Utsahahani, Sandhiruja, Sandhishotha, Sandhisparshasahatva and Sandhistabdhata.[1] Amavata is correlated to Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in modern dialect and characterized by pain, swelling, and stiffness of synovial joints, systemic features and extra-articular involvement. The prevalence of RA is 0.5-1% between the age group of 25-55 years after which it levels up until the age of 75 years.[2] To break the chain of pathogenesis, Amavata Chikitsa like Langhana, Swedana, Dipana, Pachana with Tikta –Katu dravyas and Shodhana are intended.[3] Shatyadi Kalka with Varshabhu Kashaya[4] as Anupana and Vaitarana Basti[5] were cited beneficial. Shatyadi Kalka contains Shati, Shunti and Varshabhu which are easily available and exhibits Vata-Kaphahara and Amapachana actions whereas Vaitarana Basti exhibit Amahara and Shulahara effect and administered after food to understand the response of therapy. The study combination was selected with a view that it may reverse the sequence of pathogenesis. Methods: Among 46 registered subjects, 30 completed the course of treatment. They were administered Shatyadi Kalka (12gms) with Varshabhu Kashaya (~50ml) as Anupana for 24 days in combination with Vaitarana Basti in form of Yoga Basti after food. For statistical analysis, parameters were assessed with Friedman‟s test; Wilcoxon sign rank test, Repeated Measures ANOVA and Paired t-Test. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in the Primary and Secondary outcome measures of Amavata. Conclusion: Shatyadi Kalka with Varshabhu Kashaya as Anupana and Vaitarana Basti were found effective in the management of Amavata.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Amavata, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Shatyadi Kalka, Varshabhu Kashaya, Vaitarana Basti.