An Open Labelled Randomized Controlled Parallel Group Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Prasarini Sandhanam in Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Introduction: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown  aetiology marked by a symmetric, peripheral polyarthritis. The prevalence of Rheumatoid arthritis  is approximately 0.8 – 1.0 % in Indian subcontinent, with female to male ratio of 3:1. In Ayurveda,  Amavata can be co-related to Rheumatoid arthritis based on its clinical signs and symptoms.  Mandagni (hypo functioning of digestive fire) and derangement in Vata (vital force of the body)  results in manifestation RA.  Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of Prasarini Sandhanam (PS) and Simhanada  Guggulu (SNG) and compare their efficacies in management of Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Materials and methods: In the present study 32 patients were enrolled and the study was  completed in 30 patients. The patients were allocated randomly in two groups. Group A was  administered with SNG (control group) while Group B was administered with PS (trial group).  Results: The effect of treatment on 30th day has shown statistically significant result in group A  with p value <0.05 in parameters like pain, stiffness, swelling and warmth in the joints, general  signs and symptoms and degree of disease activity score. The effect of treatment in group A did  not show statistically significant result in General functional capacity, tenderness in joints and  Quality of life of patients through Barthel’s index score with p value > 0.05. On follow up all  parameters did not show statistical significance with p value > 0.05. The effect of PS in group B  on 30th day have shown statistically highly significant result with p value <0.01 in all parameters  whereas on follow up it did not show statistically significant result with p value > 0.05 in all  parameters. On comparison, Group B have shown better results than Group A in all the  parameters. =Conclusion: Both the groups showed statistically significant results but on comparison group B  (PS) showed better results than group A (SNG). By the virtue of its aetiology, pathogenesis,  clinical signs and symptoms and management, Rheumatoid arthritis bears close resemblance to  Amavata and can be tackled effectively on the lines of its management as mentioned in classics.