EVALUATION OF GUDUCHI YOGA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF VATARAKTA (GOUTY ARTHRITIS): A CLINICAL STUDY

Abstract

Vatarakta is on e of the main articular diseases , which is characterized by severe pain, tenderness, inflammation and bur ning sensation in the affected jo ints. It is a tridoshaja vyadhi , with vata pradha nyata and rakta as main dushya. Sedentary lifestyle is one of the etiological factors of Vatarakta. The etiology and symptomatology of Gout i s very much similar to that of Va tara kta. Gout is a pathological reaction of joint or periarticular tissues which results from deposition of monosodium urate monohydrate crystals in joints and tissues. In Ayurvedic classics, although we fi nd plenty of dravyas for joint disorders, the area of joint diseases management still remains to be elusive. Hence the present clinical study aims to evaluate the efficacy of combined effect of 'Guduchi extract and cucumber juice extract' i n the management of Vatarakta ( Gouty arthritis). In the present st udy, 20 patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of Vatarakta and who met the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for acute Gou ty arthritis were selected. Detailed profile which incorporated relevant data like symptomatology, physical signs and investigation reports were considered for assessment criteria. The ‘Guduchi Yoga’ (Aqueous extract of Guduchi and Trapusha) was administered to patients of either sex in the dosage of 1 g BID with lukewarm water after food for 12 weeks (3 months). Afte r the course of therapy for 12 weeks, symptomatic improvement was observed with statistically significant results (P < 0.001) along with attainment of normal serum uric acid levels followed by feeling of general wellbeing. From the present study it can be concluded that the combined effect of Guduchi and Trapusha extracts showed promising results in the management of vatarakta.