A Clinical study on the Efficacy of Karaskara Ghritam (Orally) and Agni Karma (Bindu Akruti) in the management of Janusandhigata Vata W.S.R to Osteo Arthritis - Knee

v  Janu Sandhigata vata is the most common form of the Sandhi (joint) disorders. It is commonly known as degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis. It occurs most frequently in the knees, hips and hands.

v With Osteo Arthritis, the cartilage within a joint begins to break down and the underlying bone begins to change. These changes usually develop slowly and get worsen over a period of time. Osteo Arthritis can cause pain, stiffness and swelling. In some cases, it also causes reduced function and disability; some people are no longer able to attend their daily tasks or work.

v  In the present era, human beings are prone to early degenerative diseases, because of stressful and sedentary life style habits.

v  According to WHO, Osteo Arthritis is the second commonest musculoskeletal problem in the world population.

v  The following are the risk factors of Osteo Arthritis :

Ø  Joint injury or overuse – Injury or overuse, such as knee bending and repetitive stress on a joint, can damage a joint and increase the risk of Osteo Arthritis in that joint.

Ø  Age – The risk of developing Osteo Arthritis increases with age.

Ø Gender – Women are more likely to develop Osteo Arthritis than men, especially after the age of 50.

Ø Obesity – Extra weight puts more stress on joints, particularly weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips. This stress increases the risk of Osteo Arthritis in that joint. Obesity may also have metabolic effects that increase the risk of Osteo Arthritis.

Ø Genetics – People who have family members with Osteo Arthritis are more likely to develop Osteo Arthritis. People who have hand Osteo Arthritis are more likely to develop knee Osteo Arthritis.

Ø  Race – Some Asian populations have lower risk for Osteo Arthritis.

v  Osteo Arthritis was the 20th most common cause of Years Lived with Disabilities in India in 2019, accounting for 1.48% of all Years Lived with Disabilities; increasing from 23rd most common cause in 1990 (1.25%).

v  Over the last three decades, the prevalent symptomatic Osteo Arthritis cases in India increased 2.66-fold from 23.46 million in 1990 to 62.35 million in 2019.

v  Total Disability Adjusted Life Years due to Osteo Arthritis increased by more than 2.69-fold, from 0.79 million (95%) UI: 0.40–1.55) in 1990 to 2.12 million (95% UI: 1.07–4.23) in 2019.

v  The prevalence, incidence, and Disability Adjusted Life Years for Knee Osteo Arthritis are consistently higher in females than males.

v  In the present era, human beings are prone to early degenerative diseases, because of stressful and sedentary life style habits.

v  A number of drugs which are effective in relieving symptoms are available in contemporary sciences. But, in due course these drugs can cause adverse effects when used for a long time, causing an additional trouble for the patients.

v  Keeping this in view, it is needed to focus on drugs which are of herbal sources and cost effective.

v  Hence, the drug selected for this study in Janu Sandhigata vata is Karaskara Ghrita. The drug possess Vata Pitta Shamaka, Vedana Sthapana, Anulomana, Shothahara, Rasayana, Sula Prashamana properties and the selected procedure – Agnikarma acts on Vata Kapha dosha and alleviates the pain. Pain reduces significantly with minimal recurrence rates.

Considering all the above points, a treatment modality focusing on Ayurvedic approach in the management of Janu Sandhigata vata using the Vatahara drugs has been formulated, which is essential for its effective management in the study.