Efficacy of Trayodasanga Guggulu and Sahacaradi Taila in Knee Osteoarthritis (Sandhigatavata): A Randomized Controlled Study

ABSTRACT Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease that, when it affects our joints, makes us feel as though life is a curse. Sandhigata Vata , vis-à-vis OA is a multifactorial, degenerative, non-inflammatory joint condition. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ayurvedic medicine ( Trayodasanga Guggulu and Sahacaradi Taila ) in knee OA. Materials and Methods: Patients ( n = 120) diagnosed with knee OA, based on revised ACR 2016 criteria and Ayurvedic signs and symptoms, were randomly divided into two groups. Group A received Trayodasanga Guggulu 1000 mg twice daily and local application ( abhyanga ) of Sahacaradi Taila twice daily. Group B received tablet naproxen 500 mg twice daily, local application of naproxen gel twice daily. The intervention was for 63 days. Assessments were through western Ontario and McMaster University OA (WOMAC) score, Ayurveda subjective parameters, visual analog scale, range of motion (Goniometry), World Health Organization Quality of life (WHOQOL) BREF questionnaire which were assessed at baseline, 3 rd , 6 th , and 9 th weeks. Biological parameters such as serum calcium, serum Vitamin D3, and bone mineral density along with safety parameters such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, blood urea, and creatinine were assessed at baseline and 9 th week. Results: Both the interventions produced similar improvements in both primary and secondary assessment parameters. Both the interventions produced a significant reduction in WOMAC and most of the secondary parameters. All domains of the WHOQOL BREF improved with the Ayurvedic interventions. Both interventions had good safety profiles, assessed through safety parameters and lack of adverse effects. Conclusion: Trayodasanga Guggulu and local application of Sahacaradi Taila showed comparable efficacy in the management of Knee OA. Ayurveda interventions add to the effective management strategies of Knee OA.