Efficacy of Unani herbs in knee osteoarthritis: A pretest-post-test study
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Clinical efficacy of certain Unani herbs in knee osteoarthritis: A pretest and post-test evaluation study
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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Asfia Tarannum, Arshiya Sultana, Khaleeq Ur Rahman
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Clinical efficacy of certain Unani herbs in knee osteoarthritis: A pretest and post-test evaluation study
Year: 2016
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease characterized by pain, cartilage loss, and reduced functionality, affecting a significant proportion of the elderly population worldwide. In India, OA presents a notable health burden, with a prevalence ranging from 22% to 39%. Traditional medicine, particularly Unani medicine, offers alternative management strategies for OA. The study conducted aimed to assess the efficacy of certain Unani herbs in relieving symptoms associated with knee osteoarthritis by evaluating their impact on the modified Lequesne Algo-Functional Index.
Effectiveness of Unani Herbs in Osteoarthritis Treatment
The research involved a prospective, pre- and post-test evaluation study conducted on 20 patients diagnosed with knee OA. Participants were administered a Combinations of Unani herbs, both internally and externally, over a 40-day period. The internal treatment included powdered Asarun, Tukhme karafs, and Filfil daraz, while external relief was provided by a concoction of Gule baboona and Gule tesu. Results indicated a significant average reduction of 71.09% in the Lequesne Algo-Functional Index score post-treatment, demonstrating the herbs' effectiveness in alleviating pain and improving knee function. The study highlighted the herbs' potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidative properties, which may contribute to their therapeutic effects.
Conclusion
The study findings suggest that Unani treatment approaches can be an effective option for patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis, as evidenced by significant improvements in pain and functional scores. While the study presents promising results, it recognizes the need for further research with larger sample sizes and controlled methodologies to validate these findings. Future research should include comprehensive evaluations of health-related quality of life and longer follow-up periods to enhance understanding of the long-term benefits of Unani herbal treatments for OA.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the objective of the study on Unani herbs?
The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of certain Unani herbs on the Lequesne Algo-Functional Index in patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis.
How many patients participated in the Unani treatment study?
A total of 20 diagnosed patients of knee osteoarthritis participated in the study, which was conducted at Nizamia General Hospital, Hyderabad.
What method was used to assess treatment efficacy in the study?
The primary outcome measure was the modified Lequesne Algo-Functional Index, showing a mean percentage reduction of 71.09% after the treatment.
What were the main findings regarding Unani treatment effectiveness?
The Unani treatment module was found effective in reducing the severity of knee osteoarthritis, demonstrating significant improvement in patient symptoms during the study.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Efficacy of Unani herbs in knee osteoarthritis: A pretest-post-test study”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Drug:
In the context of the study, 'drug' refers to the specific herbal preparations utilized within the Unani medicine framework to treat knee osteoarthritis. The efficacy of these drugs, based on properties such as analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, is critical in assessing their ability to provide symptomatic relief in patients suffering from OA.
2) Medicine:
The term 'medicine' here encompasses both the philosophical and practical aspects of Unani healing traditions. It reflects the holistic approach to treating ailments, particularly knee osteoarthritis, by utilizing natural substances, lifestyle modifications, and treatments aimed at restoring balance in the body's humors. Its efficacy is evaluated through clinical trials.
3) Piper longum:
'Piper longum', known as long pepper, is one of the key herbal components studied for its therapeutic effects in knee osteoarthritis. Renowned for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, it plays a vital role in the Unani treatment formulation, contributing to improved mobility and reduced pain in affected patients.
4) Post:
The term 'post' relates to the evaluation period following the administration of the Unani treatment. It emphasizes the assessment of outcomes such as the reduction of knee osteoarthritis symptoms, specifically through the modified Lequesne Algo-Functional Index, measuring the effectiveness of the treatment after its completion.
5) Activity:
In this context, 'activity' pertains to the physical movement and functions typically hindered by knee osteoarthritis. The study aims to address limitations on patients' daily activities by evaluating the improvements facilitated by Unani treatments. Restoring normal activities is crucial for enhancing patients' quality of life and independence.
6) Stiffness:
'Stiffness' describes a common symptom experienced by knee osteoarthritis patients, characterized by reduced flexibility and discomfort in joint movement. The study aims to assess the impact of the Unani treatment on alleviating stiffness, highlighting its significance in enhancing patients' range of motion and overall joint function.
7) Quality:
'Quality' signifies the overall state of health and well-being of individuals suffering from knee osteoarthritis. In the study, the effectiveness of the Unani treatment in improving the quality of life is evaluated through various metrics, including the alleviation of pain and restoration of functional capacity post-treatment.
8) Water:
'Water' is an essential component in the preparation of the herbal concoctions used in the Unani treatments. It serves as a solvent to extract active compounds from the herbs being studied, illustrating the importance of proper formulation in maximizing the therapeutic benefits of herbal medicines for knee osteoarthritis.
9) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
'Accumulate' highlights the process through which pathological elements build up within the body, particularly in relation to knee osteoarthritis. Understanding how these accumulations affect joint health is crucial for the study, as it aims to show how Unani treatments mitigate these effects and promote better joint function.
10) Discussion:
'Discussion' refers to the section of the study where findings are analyzed in depth. Here, the implications of the research on the efficacy of Unani herbs for treating knee osteoarthritis are explored, alongside potential mechanisms of action, reinforcing the importance of integrating traditional medicine with scientific evaluation.
11) Alcoholism:
'Alcoholism' is mentioned as one of the predisposing factors for knee osteoarthritis in the study. This raises awareness about lifestyle choices that may exacerbate joint conditions. By identifying such factors, the study underscores the necessity of addressing not only medicinal but also behavioral aspects in treatment plans.
12) Science (Scientific):
'Science' denotes the systematic approach utilized in the study to evaluate Unani treatment's effectiveness rigorously. By employing methods and metrics from medical research, this aspect reinforces the need for empirical evidence in validating traditional practices, bridging gaps between ancient healing traditions and modern medical paradigms.
13) Blood:
'Blood' is implicated in the context of the humoral theory underlying Unani medicine. The study references the significance of maintaining a balance among bodily humors that are related to blood composition. This balance is crucial for health and particularly in the management of osteoarthritis symptoms.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Efficacy of Unani herbs in knee osteoarthritis: A pretest-post-test study’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Morbidity, Randomized controlled trial, Clinical efficacy, Anti-inflammatory properties, Joint destruction, Small sample size, Chronic degenerative disease, Knee osteoarthritis, Health-related quality of life, Prospective study, Antioxidant, Analgesic properties, Patient compliance, Unani herbs, Department of Moalajat, Pre- and post test, Oxidant.