A comparative clinical study of Janu Basti (medicated oil retention over knee) and Matra Basti (medicated oil enema) with Sahachara Taila along with Adityapaka Guggulu on osteoarthritis of knee joint

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) of knee is a chronic inflammatory condition of knee joints characterized by pain, swelling, and functional restriction of the joint. In Ayurveda, it can be correlated with Sandhigata Vata. The two most promising therapies for the Ayurveda management are Janu Basti (medicated oil retention over knee) and Matra Basti (medicated oil enema). The present study was conducted to assess the comparative effect of the two Ayurveda procedure which could assist in clinical decision-making for maximum benefit and minimum discomfort for variable requirements of the patients. Aim: The aim of the study was to ascertain the better management among the two therapies. The objective of the study was to assess changes in pain in knee joints through the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and disability through Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index (WOMAC) from baseline to 30th day in both the therapies and compare the effect of the both therapies on pain and disability. Materials and methods: In this study, a total of 30 patients having the complaints of OA of knee joint were randomly divided into two groups. Fifteen patients were treated in group A with Janu Basti (external oleation through retention of oil over knee joints for 30 min) with Sahachara Taila along with Adityapaka Guggulu (oral medication) and 15 patients were treated in group B with Matra Basti (enema with medicated oil) with Sahachara Taila along with Adityapaka Guggulu. For the assessment, VAS for pain scoring, WOMAC for disability, Ritchie articular index for tenderness were used, and X-ray were graded on the basis of Kellgren–Lawrence system for OA severity. All the results were calculated by using InStat GraphPad 3 software. For intra-group comparison nonparametric data; “Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed ranks test” and “Paired-t-test” was used. For calculating the inter-group comparison, “Mann–Whitney test” and “unpaired-t-test” was used. All the statistical tests were interpreted as significance at 5% level (P < 0.05). Results: There were significant changes in VAS, WOMAC score, and tenderness of the affected joint in both the groups. On intergroup comparison, Matra Basti with Sahachara Taila in group B has provided better relief in Sandhigatavata of Janu Snadhi along with Adityapaka Guggulu. Conclusion: The result shows that Ayurvedic management with Matra Basti and Janu Basti along with Adityapaka Guggulu are effective in the management of osteoarthritis (OA) of knee joint. However, Matra Basti along with Adityapaka Guggulu is a better management option than Janu Basti.