Short-term evaluation of Shatapaka Guduchi Taila in Rheumatoid Arthritis – A case series

Background: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory disorder of the musculoskeletal system, is understood under the spectrum of Amavata and Vataraktam (NAMC-Code EC-6 & ED-8). Nine patients with ACR/EULAR-Criteria ≥6 with classical symptoms based on Ayurveda were taken, and Shatapaka Guduchi Taila was administered in a dose of 15 drops twice-daily with water before-food, along with assessment of clinical and laboratory-parameters. Clinical Findings: A total of 9 patients with lakshanas of i.e., Shoola, Shotha, Stabdhata, Sparsh-Asahatwam, Bhrishoshmata, Daha, along with signs of RA for more than 6 weeks, were diagnosed, and laboratory parameters of ESR, RA and CRP; and Clinical parameters of Disease Activity Score (DAS-28-ESR and DAS-28-CRP), Patient’s Assessment of Activity (VAS), and HAQ-DI (Health Assessment Questionnaire and Disability-Index) were assessed on Baseline, 7th and 30th day of administration of medicine. Results: Shatapaka Guduchi Taila was taken for a period of 30-days with evaluation of ESR, RA and CRP along with clinical assessment. The mean value of ESR changed from 43.33 to 29.44, RA from 24.59 to 22.19, CRP from 10.87 to 6.32, DAS-28-ESR from 6.03 to 4.99, DAS-28-CRP from 5.19 to 4.3, VAS from 7.11 to 4.56 and HAQ-DI from 1.25 to 0.67, along with improved subjective parameters, well-being and quality of life. Conclusion: Patients who had elevated ESR, RA, and CRP levels, along with clinical symptoms of RA, showed improvement in clinical and laboratory parameters after utilising Shatapaka Guduchi Taila. All patients reported improved well-being without any adverse effects or side effects.