2016
Anand Katti, Bhusane Kalyani Ashok, Murthy N A
ABSTRACT
Whole world is witnessing a surge in the elderly population. The people of geriatric age group are vulnerable to many ailments. Degenerative changes are accounted as a primary cause for disease of senility. Osteoarthritis vis-a-vis Sandhigata vata is a common manifestation presenting with pain and stiffness in affected joints. Knee joint suffers most as it bears maximum load of body weight.
Time honored Ayurveda has proposed many novel therapies to combat aging and age related problems. Matrabasti, a type of Snehabasti; is a therapy indicated safe in all age group. It is a very unique therapeutic procedure because of its preventive, promotive, rejuvenative, curative properties.
It is applicable in all Vatavyadhis including sandhigata vata (Osteoarthritis). In this background 30 patients belonging to 60-75 age group were recruited to evaluate the effect of Ahwagandha Ghrita Matrabasti in the dose of 60ml for 9 days. Follow up period was fixed for 18 days. The Western Ontario and Mac-master Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) was used as assessment parameter. WOMAC scale was used to assess pain, stiffness and difficulty in performing routine functions.
The study showed statistically significant improvement on all three factors. Matrabasti with Ashwagandha ghrita curbs the pain, stiffness and discomfort in routine activity, in the patients of knee osteo arthritis belonging to geriatric age group.
