THE MANAGEMENT OF AMAVATA (RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS) WITH VATARI GUGGULU AND BRIHAT SIMHANADA GUGGULU

Abstract

The detail knowledge on Amavata was first explained by Madhavakar, whereas Chakrapani Dutta first gave knowledge about principle and management of the disease. Amavata is a clinical entity very much similar to the chronic but active inflammatory arthropathy, the Rheumatoid arthritis. Till now, the etio-pathogenesis of Rheumatoid arthritis is not known precisely but among the hypothesis, entero-pathy along with autoimmune have important role regarding this disease. In Amavata, due to impaired functioning of 'Kayagni' the anna-rasa undergoes fermentation resulted formation of ama (biotoxin) which combines with vitiated Vata (biophysical force for movement) to form Amavata.(1) So, two important entities one is toxin and other is movement, when comes together kha vaigunya concept the disease formed which is worst one. That’s why swelling, severe pain, and restricted movements are the main features of Amavata. Severe pain, difficulty in movements, and swelling on the joints along with fever etc makes the patient’s life miserable. Although Ama and Vata are chiefly pathogenic factors, Kapha and Pitta are also invariably involved in its pathogenesis (Samprapti). The therapeutic approach should be on Vata dosha, Kapha dosha and correction of Amadosha and of Agni viz. Pitta. The line of treatment for amavata also includes langhanam, swedanam, tiktam, deepana, katu drugs and sodhana treatment like virechana, basti etc. The shamana drugs which are having Vatashamaka, Amapachaka, Ama Shoshaka, and Deepniya properties can be used in the treatment of this disease. Vatari Guggulu and Brihat simhanada guggulu carries indication for Amavata according to Bhaisajya Ratnavali. The compositions in it are approachable lieu of principles of treatment of Amavata. The clinical research shows that in TG I, 7 (46.67%) patients were got Moderate im-provement while 8 (53.33%) patients were got Mild improvement. In TG II 10 (66.67%) patients were get Moderate improvement while 5 (33.33%) patients were got Mild improvement.