Comparative study of efficacy of Gunja Beeja lepa and Shunthi Churna lepa in Inflammatory Conditions of Arthritis - A Randomized Controlled Single Blinded Clinical Study

Abstract

Background: Life style disorders are an emerging problem in India where various types of arthritis are hampering the routine activities of people due to severe pain and inflammation. In such circumstances, everybody wants quick relief with the symptoms. Visha dravya used in Ayurveda are known for their quick action. Gunja (Abrus precatorius Linn) is a visha indicated in various diseases for internal and external use. Objectives: A randomized clinical study was conducted to assess the efficacy of Gunja beeja lepa to manage the local inflammatory conditions of Arthritis in comparison with a standard anti-inflammatory Ayurvedic drug Shunthi (Zingiber officinalis Linn) to provide a potent anti-inflammatory drug for the purpose of clinical practice. Material and methods: Patients suffering from transient mono or bi-arthropathies of knee were applied Gunja beeja lepa in comparison with local application of standard anti-inflammatory Ayurvedic drug Shunthi. Assessment was done with the help of Disease Activity Score (DAS-28-3) including three variables viz; tender joint score (Range 0-28), Swollen Joint Count (Range 0-28) and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Statistical comparisons were performed by both paired, unpaired student’s t test by using Sigma stat software (version 3.1) for both the experimental the groups at p<0.05 (level of significance). Result: Intervention with Gunja beeja lepa was statistically significant (p=0.003) in comparison with the intervention with Shunthi churna lepa. Conclusion: Gunja Beeja lepa is effective in comparison with standard anti-inflammatory Ayurvedic drug Shunthi in inflammatory conditions of Arthritis.