A comparative clinical study to evaluate the effect of shigru patra upanaha and nirgundi patra upanaha in the management of janu sandhigata vata (osteoarthritis of knee)

Globally osteoarthritis which is commonly corelated to Janu Sandhigata Vata affects over 17 to 60 percent of Indians depending on region with symptomatic knee OA rising significantly women are more affected 20 to 41 percent. Ayurveda as per Acharya Sushruta recommends classical Bahya parimarjana Chikitsa especially Snehana Upanaha Bandhana for the management of Janu Sandhigata Vata. Upanaha a localized fomentation therapy involves applying a warm herbal infused paste to the affected knee joint which is then wrapped and left in place for 12 hours. This method delivers sustained heat and therapeutic effects directly to the site of pathology. In classical Dravyaguna terms Sigru and Nirgundi these are inherently Usna virya Shothahara and Shoolahara making them especially appropriate for pacifying deranged Vata Kapha in the knee joint. Despite clinical evidence supporting various Upanaha formulations such as Grihadhumadi and Mustadi churnas in alleviating symptoms of Janu Sandhigata Vata through randomized trials the contemporary clinical evidence on Sigru and Nirgundi patra Upanaha in Janu Sandhigata Vata is lacking. The core aim is to determine which leaf imparts superior symptomatic relief particularly in terms of pain reduction and swelling resolution while contributing to the broader evidence base of Ayurvedic Panchakarma interventions. This study addresses a significant empirical gap and supports advancement in scholarly understanding of classical Ayurvedic external therapies for degenerative knee joint disease.