Effect of Vaaluka Svedana followed by Katiprishthatrika Basti in management of Katiprishthatrika Graha w.s.r. to Ankylosing Spondylitis: A prospective randomized open-label clinical study

Abstract

Background: Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease involving sacroiliac joints and spine causing severe pain, stiffness, and deformities in patients in later stages of life. Symptomology of ankylosing spondylitis is similar to Katiprishthatrika Graha in Ayurveda. Materials and Methods: A prospective open-label study was carried out in the All India Institute of Ayurveda on 31 diagnosed cases of ankylosing spondylitis. Vaaluka Svedana followed by Katiprishthatrika Basti with Dhanvantara Taila was administered for 7 days each. Participants were assessed based on pain score, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Patient Global Score (BAS-G score) scores on the 1st day and 14th day of study. Paired sample t tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: Statistically significant results were obtained at the end of trial (P < 0.001) in pain scores as well in quality of life scores (BASDAI, BASFI, and BAS-G scores). There was a 2.20, 1.37, 1.30, and 1.13 point’s reduction in BASDAI, BASFI, and BAS-G scores, respectively. Conclusion: Vaaluka Svedana followed by Katiprishthatrika Basti is effective in the successful management of pain and improving quality of life in patients with Katiprishthatrika Graha.