A comparative clinical study on Matra Basti with Kshirabala Taila and Ketakadya Taila in Janu Sandhigata Vata

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is a prevailing form of Arthritis, also known as Degenerative Joint Disease, which occurs due to the gradual deterioration of joints, including the articular cartilage and subchondral bone. Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, leading to a loss of flexibility in the affected joints. In modern medical science, NSAIDs are commonly prescribed to manage the symptoms of Osteoarthritis which help in reducing pain, inflammation, and stiffness. NSAIDs only provide symptomatic relief to the patients. Indeed, Sandhigatavata and Osteoarthritis are closely correlated terms, with Sandhigatavata being the Ayurvedic term for Osteoarthritis. Ayurvedic texts suggest various treatments for this condition, with the most common ones being repeated application of Snehana and Swedana, along with Basti and Mriduvirechana. Among these treatments, Basti is considered a crucial part of the overall therapy, and the Matra Basti, a specific form of Basti, is relatively easier to administer without any complications. Here an attempt was made through Matra Basti with Kshira Bala Taila and Ketakadya Taila mentioned in Vata Vyadhi Chikitsa specifically. This is an open-label, observational, and clinical research study, a total of 30 patients diagnosed with Sandhigata Vata were randomly selected from the OPD and IPD of Parul Ayurved Hospital and Khemdas Ayurved Hospital in Waghodia, Vadodara. These patients were divided into two groups i.e., in Group A, 15 patients were given Abhyanga, Baspa Swedana followed by Matra Basti with Kshira Bala Taila, and in Group B, 15 patients were given Abhyanga, Baspa Swedana followed by Matra Basti with Ketakadya Taila for 15 days. The assessment of patients was carried out before treatment, on the 8^th day, after treatment, and on the 30^th day of treatment. Statistically significant effects were seen in both the groups in symptoms including Sandhi Shoola, Akunchan Prasaranajanya Vedana, Sparsha Asahatva, Sandhi Sphootana, and ROM.