Efficacy of Langhana with Saptamushtika Yusha in the Treatment of Aama in Aamavata with special reference to Rheumatoid Arthritis

In developing societies, the nutritional patterns collectively termed the ‘western diet’ including high fat and cholesterol, high protein, high sugar and excess salt intake as well as frequent consumption of processed and fast food promote obesity, cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome which are now recognized as due to chronic inflammatory processes in body. According to the ancient Acharyas, above mentioned dietary habits are the common hetus responsible for the Agnidushti and development of diseases like Aamavata. The common signs and symptoms of Aamavata have similarities with Rheumatoid Arthritis which is an autoimmune disorder of unknown etiology. Aamavata has been a challenging problem to the medical field. Various treatment protocols are applied in this disease with partial success. The ancient Acharyas have mentioned the Langhana along with its different possible ways as a first Upakrama for the treatment of Aamavata. In present clinical study, five patients of clinically proven Aamavata were treated with Laghu Aahara Rupi Langhana by using Saptamushtika Yusha for seven days. All clinical Nidanadi Ayurvediya parameters and American College of Rheumatology guidelines for Rheumatoid Arthritis were followed. The assessment of symptoms was done with the help of Disease Activity Score (DAS). Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) which is increased in most of the chronic inflammatory conditions was also investigated. It was observed that there was a marked reduction in ESR along with the considerable relief in signs and symptoms of patient. The results are encouraging and indicate the efficacy of Langhana with Saptamushtika Yusha over Aamavata. 108 * Corresponding Author: Jasminbegam Momin PG scholar, Department of Kayachikitsa, Government Ayurved College, Nanded. Email id jasminmomin791992@gmail.com Jasminbegam Momin et.al., Efficacy of Langhana in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis Published online in http://ijam.co.in ISSN No: 0976-5921 Aim To study the efficacy of Langhana with Saptamushtika Yusha in the treatment of Aama in Aamavata with special reference to Rheumatoid Arthritis. Objectives 1. To study the relief in signs and symptoms of Aamavata by Langhana Upakrama. 2. To study the process and duration of Aama Pachana by Langhana. 3. To study the effect on erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)before and after Langhana in Aamavata. Materials and methods Criteria of diagnosis Aamavata – Madhava Nidanokta Aamavata Lakshanas (8) – 1.Angamarda 2.Aruchi 3.Trushna 4.Aalasya 5.Gaurava 6.Jwara 7.Apaka Patient with Sandhishoola and any of 4 of above symptoms were diagnosed as Aamavata. Rheumatoid arthritis Table no. 1 – American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for RA (9) A sum of score of equal or more than 6 were diagnosed as Rheumatoid Arthritis. RF – Rheumatoid Factor; CCP – Anti Citrullinated Citric Peptide; ESR – Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate; CRP – C Reactive Protein Method of selection of subjects Inclusion criteria • Patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of Aamavata and Rheumatoid Arthritis as mentioned above are included. • Patients between age group of 35-50 years. • Patients of either sex. • The patient having the disease for about 2 years and having acute attack in last 15 days. Exclusion criteria • Disease duration more than 2 years. • Severe deformities with severe ankylosed joints. • Patients who are steroid dependent. • Alpa Bala and Alpa Satva patient • Patient suffering from other systemic illness like diabetic mellitus / hepatic / renal / cardiac illness. • Pregnant and lactating mothers. Withdrawal criteria • Patient showing any adverse reaction during the treatment. • Occurrence of any other severe illness or any infectious condition in patient which may interrupt with the pathophysiology of the disease and requires some other medicines. • If the BSL goes below 70mg/dl then he patient were withdrawn from the treatment. Investigations For the purpose of assessing the general condition of the patient of the patient and to exclude other pathologies, the following investigations were carried out 1.RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) Test 2.CBC – Complete Blood Count 3.BSL – Random (Blood Sugar Level) 4.Urine analysis 5.ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) Study location A clinical study of 5 patients at IPD of our institute. Study duration and follow up Patients were administered with Saptamushtika Yusha at the time of kshudhaprachiti for seven days and assessment of signs and symptoms of patient was done on 0, 4th and 8th day. Treatment protocol The patients fulfilling the above diagnostic criteria were admitted at the IPD of our institute. The patients were administered with the Laghu Aahara Rupi Langhana in the form of Saptamushtika Yusha at the time Kshudhaprachiti for seven days. Subject Criteria Score 1.Duration of symptoms Less than 6 weeks 0