EFFECT OF KOLAKULATHTHADI UPANAHA SWEDA IN JANU SANDHIGATAVATA (KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS)

Sandhigatavata (Osteoarthritis) is a Vatavyadhi that limits everyday activities among the elderly population. According to World Health Organization, Osteoarthritis (OA) is the second most common musculoskeletal problem among the world population (30%) after back pain (50%). Ayurveda has emphasized various treatment modalities including Upanaha in the management of Sandhigatavata. This single blind clinical study aims to evaluate the effect of Kolakulaththadi Upanaha sweda, which consists of Kola (Zizyphus jujube), Kulaththa (Dolichos biflorus), Suradaru(Cedusdeadara), Rasna (Pluchealanceolate), Masha (Vigna mungo), Atasi (Linum usitatissimum), Tila (Ricinus communicus), Kushta (Saussurea lappa), Vacha (Acoruscalamus), Shatahwa (Anethum sowa) and Yava (Hordeum vulgare) in Janu Sandhigatavata. Thirty patients of primary OA in knee, aged between 40 70 years fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) for OA knee were randomly selected at National Ayurveda Hospital in Borella. Took 10g of each ingredient of Kolakulaththadi churna and mixed with 50ml of Kanji (Tamarind juice) and 5g of Saindhava Lavana (Rock salt). Paste heated with light flame and applied over the affected part of knee joints followed by bandaging and retained for 12 hours for consecutive 14 days. Subjective and objective parameters were used to assess the results based on clinical observations before and after treatment. The data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and Mann- Whitney U Test. It was observed that 100% relief was found in swelling, 90% relief was found in pain and restricted movement of knee joints. This study substantiates the efficacy of Kolakulaththadi Upanaha sweda in the management of Janu Sandhigatavata.