EFFECT OF SHALLAKI ON KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS (JANU SANDHIGATA VATA)

Background: As age advances vata dosha increases in an individual. This increasing vata triggers and accelerates dhatu kshaya (depletion of tissues) and bala kshaya (reduction of strength). Hence advancing age makes man prone to many diseases including degenerative disorders. Sandhigata vata manifests when the deranged vata lodges in joints. If the condition manifest in the janu sandhi (knee joint), it is called as janu sandhigata vata (knee osteoarthritis). Local pain and functional disability of the effected joint are the major manifestations of knee osteoarthritis. Shallaki niryasa, an oleoresin available from the plant Boswelia serreta is known for its anti inflammatory and analgesic property. In this study a clinical trial using oleoresin available from shallaki is done on participants suffering from knee osteoarthritis. Objective: To evaluate the effect of shallaki in knee osteoarthritis. Method: The clinical study was carried out for a period of 4 weeks where alcoholic extract of shallaki 400mg was given orally with water thrice daily after food. Concurrent analgesics/NSAIDs and steroids in any form were not permitted. Lifestyle and /or dietary restrictions were not imposed during the course of the study. Results: The primary efficacy variables were pain in knee joints, modified WOMAC, joint crepitus and swelling in knees. Paired‘t’ test was used for within group comparison. Pain and WOMAC showed significant improvement (P<0.001) after treatment. Swelling in knees was absent after the treatment in 80% of volunteers who presented with the manifestation. Joint crepitus remained unchanged after completion of treatment in all individuals.Conclusion: shallaki is effective and safe in the symptomatic treatment of knee osteoarthritis.