Efficacy of Erand Sneha (Castor Oil) in the management of Amavata (Rheumatoid arthritis) with respect to its Sama Stage

BACKGROUND: Amavata (Rheumatoid arthritis) is a disease which is difficult to cure and one of the challenging disease for the clinicians due to its chronicity, incurability, complications and morbidity. Eranda Sneha (Castor oil) possess properties which causes increase in digestive fire, penetrate into micro-channel, remove obstruction from micro-channel, pacify Vata-Kapha Doshas and remove them via purgation. AIM: To assess the efficacy of Castor oil in the management of Sama condition (acute stage) of Amavata. MATERIALS & METHODS: In the present study 61 patients aged between 20 to 60 years, fulfilling the inclusion criteria and having symptoms of Sama stage were selected from the OPD and IPD of Roga- Nidana Evam Vikriti Vijnana, department, I.P.G.T. & R.A., Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar. Patients were treated in two different groups with administration of Eranda Sneha (Castor oil) alone and with combination of Shunti (Zingiber officinale) once in morning on empty stomach. RESULTS: After the course of therapy for 15 days, similar symptomatic improvement was observed both the groups. Overall effect of therapy suggests that only group A provided moderate improvement in maximum objective and subjective criteria.CONCLUSION: The study concludes that both Castor oil alone and with combination of Zingiber officinale is effective to remove Sama stage of Amavata and thereby provide symptomatic relief.