EFFECT OF VIRECHAN KARMA FOLLOWED BY PANCHTIKTA GHRITA AS SHAMAN YOGA IN SANDHIGATAVATA W.S.R. TO OSTEOARTHRITIS

Sandhigatavata (Osteoarthritis) is a condition where Sandhis (joints) are afflicted by vitiated Vatadosha. Development of this disease is attributed to Vatadoshavriddhi which leads to Shleshakakapha kshaya (reduction in synovial fluid) in Sandhis (joints). The involvement of Marma (vital point), Madhyama Roga Marga, Vata Dosha and Dhatukshaya (degeneration) makes the disease Kashtasadhya. In modern medicine, Sandhigatavata (Osteoarthritis) can be equated with Osteoarthritis which is the commonest, slowly progressive arthritis and leading cause of disability in elderly people. Current trial was conducted to study the etiopathogenesis of Sandhigatavata (Osteoarthritis) and to assess the efficacy of Virechana Karma (Purgation) followed by Panchtikta Ghrita as Shaman Yoga on the patients of Osteoarthritis. Sixteen patients of either sex, age between 40-80 yrs. with classical symptoms of Osteoarthritis and without any chronic ailments were selected after written informed consent. Virechana (Purgation) was carried out with Erand Tailam after Samyaka Snehana and Swedana (adequate oleation and fomentation). Following Samsarjana Karma(dietary regime), the trial drug was given orally in the dose of 10gm.OD for 20 days.The effect of trial formulation in 15 patients (one dropped out) on various assessment criteria was obtained after statistical analysis of the data. Study showed highly significant results in reduction of joint pain, degree of severity, tenderness, restriction of flexion, edema, pain during movement and morning stiffness. Insignificant results were recorded in local crepitus. The trial formulation, by virtue of Tikta Rasa, Deepana, Pachana and Ropana properties alleviates Dhatvagnimandya (metabolism) thereby reducing Kshaya(degeneration). Besides this, Ghrita pacifies Vata. So, it was concluded that trial drug is quite effective in management of Sandhigatavata(Osteoarthritis).