PHARMACEUTICO-ANALYTICAL AND AYURVEDIC PHARMACOLOGICAL PROFILE OF SIMHANADA GUGGULU IN PURVIEW OF VATARAKTAM (ED-8 RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS)

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disorder that is characterised by autoantibody production, synovial hyperplasia, and progressive joint degeneration. Ayurveda correlates RA with Vataraktam (ED-8 Rheumatoid Arthritis), a condition involving musculoskeletal and vascular pathologies. Simhanada Guggulu, a classical Ayurvedic formulation, is utilised for its anti-inflammatory, detoxifying and antioxidant effects. This study evaluates the pharmacological insights and therapeutic aspects of Simhanada Guggulu in the context of Vataraktam. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive review of classical Ayurvedic texts, API guidelines, and biomedical literature was conducted. Simhanada Guggulu was prepared as per the Ayurveda Formulary of India and analysed for organoleptic, physicochemical, and elemental parameters at Shree Dhootapapeshwar Ayurvedic Research Foundation. Results: The tablets were greenish-grey, astringent, with a sulphurous odour, and had a biconvex, hard texture. Physicochemical analysis showed standard moisture content, friability, disintegration time, and elemental sulphur levels within permissible limits as per API Standards. These findings confirmed its stability and quality for therapeutic use. Discussion and Conclusion: Simhanada Guggulu demonstrates potential efficacy in Vataraktam by targeting inflammatory mediators, balancing doshas, and eliminating ama. Its pharmaceutical standardisation ensures safety, potency, and therapeutic reliability, supporting its role in Ayurvedic management of RA. Further clinical validation is recommended