Abstract

EFFECT OF AYURVEDA TREATMENT MODALITIES OF AMAVATA ON SIMPLE DISEASE ACTIVITY INDEX OF A SEROPOSITIVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS CASE- A CASE REPORT

Dr. Nagashree N.* and Dr. Srinivasa S.

ABSTRACT

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic immune-mediated systemic inflammatory disease characterized by chronic synovial inflammation and hyperplasia, which drive joint erosion and damage, and a range of systemic manifestations, which contribute to overall disease burden. The cause for this manifestation is due to proinflammatory pathways which result in localized joint and systemic inflammation, which occur due to cytokines such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-1β etc. One function of IL-6 is to drive production of the acute-phase reactant following an inflammatory event. In Ayuveda, this Pathology can be explained with the Amavata samprapti where Ama, the morbid factor take seat in Sandhi such as Hasta, Pada, Trika, Janu, Gulpha, Manya etc., leading to pathological alteration in normal physiology of Sandhi. This presents with the major premonitory symptoms such as Vrischika damshavat vedana in sandhi (Severe pain), Stabdha gatra (stiffness in joints), Sandhi shotha (localised swelling), Jwara (rise in temperature) etc. It can be considered that Ama is the factor which is triggering inflammatory mechanism in the Sandhi and is reflected in the form of
raised inflammatory markers in the serum levels when tested in such cases. The above theory was verified by inculcating Ayurveda treatment modalities mentioned in Amavata chikitsa in a 39 year old female who was a known case of Seropositive Rheumatoid arthritis, was diagnosed as Amavata and treated with Sadhyo Virechana followed by Vaitarana Basti in yoga basti schedule with simultaneous oral administration of Tablet Vyoshadi guggulu 750mg 1 TID after food for about 22 days. The outcome was assessed through Simple Disease Activity Index of the subject before and after the intervention as stated. Results showed a significant remission in the disease activity of the subject.

Keywords: Ama, Auto-immune joint disorders, Inflammatory markers, Sadhyovirechana, Vaitarana Basti, Vyoshadi Guggulu.