A review on effectiveness of selected herbal paste in the management of Rheumatoid Arthritis (Āmavāta)

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune condition that causes joint abnormalities, articular tissue loss, and non-specific inflammation of peripheral joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is more prevalent in women and wealthy countries, where it affects 0.3% to 1% of the population. Ayurveda Rheumatoid arthritis (Āmavāta) occurs due to vitiation of Kapha and Vāta Dōsha (body humors). The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a particular herbal paste in treating rheumatoid arthritis based on the pharmacological characteristics and effects of its constituent parts. Information about rheumatoid arthritis was acquired from Ayurvedic scriptures, contemporary texts and earlier research studies (from primary and secondary sources). Afterwards a survey of the literature was done on those five ingredients in the selected paste and then analyzed for their Pancha Padārtha (five elements of herb) and pharmacological qualities regarding in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Reviewed articles have highlighted that selected herbal formula has anti-inflammatory qualities because of their compatibility with Shōtha Hara (reduce swelling), Vēdanāsthāpana (reduce pain) Guna (qualities). According to the literature review and Pancha Padārtha analysis, selected herbal formula is useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.