A Comparative Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Janubasti with Erand Taila and Ksheerabala Taila in the Management of Janu Sandhigata Vata (Knee Osteoarthritis): A Single Blind Randomized Active Control Comparative Clinical Trial Protocol

Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage loss, osteophyte formation, subchondral sclerosis, and synovial changes, presenting with pain, stiffness, swelling, crepitus, and reduced mobility. In Ayurveda, it resembles Sandhivata, caused by Vata aggravation, Dhatu kshaya, ageing, and reduced Shleshaka Kapha, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and impaired function. Modern treatment is mainly symptomatic with limitations. Though Charaka Samhita describes Erand as Vatahara, evidence on Erand Taila Janubasti remains unavailable. Objective: This study is designed to evaluate and compare the therapeutic effectiveness of Murchita Erand Taila Basti and Ksheerbala Taila Janu Basti in the treatment of Janusandhigata Vata, which is clinically correlated with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: A single-blind, randomized, active-controlled clinical trial will be conducted at the PG Department of Panchakarma, CBPACS, New Delhi. Of 70 screened participants, 58 will be randomly assigned to two groups. Group A will receive Janu Basti with Murchita Erand Taila and Group B with Ksheerbala Taila for 15 days. Outcomes will be assessed using VAS, WOMAC, and classical Sandhigata Vata symptoms on days 0, 15, and 30. Results: The primary outcome measures will evaluate variations in pain severity and the degree of functional impairment. Conclusions: This study aims to generate clinical evidence on the comparative efficacy of two medicated oil–based Panchakarma interventions (Janu Basti) in the management of knee osteoarthritis and may support the development of evidence-based integrative treatment approaches.