Ayurvedic treatment: Ashwagandha powder can help ‘cure’ rheumatoid arthritis, says AIIMS research

By Newsgram Staff Writer

Certain Ayurvedic formulations have been found effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a study conducted by AIIMS doctors suggested.

AIIMS doctors said Ashwagandha powder has anti-inflammatory, anti-stress and immuno-modulatory properties, which help in improving physical functions and joint pains in RA patients.

A researcher who participated in the study said the formulations had multiple benefits. "The subjects were administered 5 gram of Ashwagandha powder twice a day for three weeks with lukewarm water or milk and 100 gram of Sidh Makardhwaj daily with honey for the four weeks as part of the pilot study," the researcher informed, and added, " The study, conducted on 125 RA patients, found Ayurvedic medicines Ashwagandha powder and Sidh Makardhwaj, helped in relieving pain in tender and swollen joints, and increased mobility in a majority of subjects."

"The drugs decreased RA factor and there was significant change in post-treatment scores of tender joints, swollen joints, pain assessment score and patient self-assessed disability index among other," the researcher said. The study has been published in the latest issue of the Indian Journal of Medical Research.

Dr (Gen) Ved Chaturvedi, rheumatologist at Army (Research and Referral hospital) said this is a welcome step. "Whether we accept it or not, there are many people in India who subscribe to the health benefits of alternative therapies. It is important to scientifically validate the claims about their efficacy rather than ignoring them totally," he said.

"Interest in traditional medicines is renewed and growing exponentially due to the adverse drug reactions and economic burden associated with modern system of medicine. The central government is promoting them too," he added.