Sandhigatavata in Osteoarthritis: Trayodasanga Guggulu Overview
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Basic Tenets of Sandhigatavata w.s.r. Osteoarthritis and Assessment of Pharmacological Basis of Trayodasanga Guggulu: A Classical and Contemporary Overview
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease predominantly affecting older populations, being especially common among elderly women. In Ayurveda, this condition is referred to as Sandhigatavāta, characterized by joint tissue deterioration originating from various factors such as lifestyle, nutrition, and aging. The article discusses the similarities between Sandhigatavāta and OA, highlighting the Ayurvedic herbal formulation Trayodashanga Guggulu, which has been traditionally used for managing this ailment. The pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential of Trayodashanga Guggulu, along with its effectiveness in alleviating the symptoms of Sandhigatavāta, are explored.
The Role of Vāta and Dhātukṣaya in Sandhigatavāta
In Ayurveda, Sandhigatavāta is essentially a Vātavyādhi, resulting from an imbalance or aggravation of Vāta dosha in the body. This imbalance leads to the deterioration of body tissues, referred to as Dhātukṣaya, particularly affecting the joints. The article explains that as individuals age, the prevalence of Vāta dosha increases, resulting in reduced synovial fluid and compromised joint integrity. Various contributing factors, including obesity and age-related changes, can exacerbate the condition. Understanding this pathophysiology is vital, as it emphasizes the importance of Ayurvedic interventions such as Vasti therapy and herbal formulations in restoring balance and promoting joint health.
Pharmacological Aspects of Trayodashanga Guggulu
Trayodashanga Guggulu is composed of several beneficial herbs, each contributing to its overall efficacy in treating Sandhigatavāta. The formulation's ingredients, such as Aśwagandha, Gudūcī, and Guggulu, exhibit multiple properties including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic effects. Recent studies have validated these traditional uses through contemporary research, showing that the ingredients of Trayodashanga Guggulu can mitigate symptoms of OA effectively. The article details various pharmacological properties, such as the ability of Guggulu to enhance joint function and reduce pain, highlighting the formulation's significance as a natural alternative to conventional treatments.
Conclusion
While modern medicine has developed various methods to alleviate pain and manage osteoarthritis, including surgical interventions, such approaches often come with significant risks and side effects. In contrast, the herbal ingredients within Trayodashanga Guggulu present a promising avenue for the treatment and prevention of osteoarthritis without the adverse effects associated with conventional therapies. Given the backing of emerging scientific studies, the potential of these Ayurvedic formulations necessitates further research to establish their safety and therapeutic efficacy fully, offering hope for improved management of osteoarthritic conditions.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Rashmi Kathait
Research Scholar, Department of Kayachikitsa, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
Ajai Kumar Pandey
Associate Professor, Department of Kayachikitsa, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Basic Tenets of Sandhigatavata w.s.r. Osteoarthritis and Assessment of Pharmacological Basis of Trayodasanga Guggulu: A Classical and Contemporary Overview
Year: 2022 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v9i2.897
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Sandhigatavata and its relation to osteoarthritis?
Sandhigatavata is an Ayurvedic condition comparable to osteoarthritis, characterized by joint degeneration, commonly affecting weight-bearing joints, especially in the elderly. It involves imbalance of Vata dosha and deterioration of joint tissues, leading to discomfort and inflammation.
What is Trayodashanga Guggulu and its significance?
Trayodashanga Guggulu is an Ayurvedic herbal formulation that combines 13 ingredients. It's noted for its properties that help reduce Vata dosha, promote joint health, and may alleviate the symptoms of Sandhigatavata or osteoarthritis due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
What modern research supports the use of Trayodashanga Guggulu?
Contemporary studies suggest that the herbs in Trayodashanga Guggulu possess anti-arthritic, analgesic, and antioxidant properties, providing evidence for their effectiveness in managing osteoarthritis symptoms, making it a potential alternative treatment alongside conventional options.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Sandhigatavata in Osteoarthritis: Trayodasanga Guggulu Overview”. 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) Guggulu:
Guggulu, known scientifically as Commiphora mukul, and a key ingredient in Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu, exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. It is renowned in Ayurveda for its role in balancing Tridoṣa and treating joint diseases such as Sandhigatavāta (osteoarthritis).
2) Vata:
In Ayurveda, Vāta is one of the three fundamental bioenergies (Doṣas) governing bodily functions. It is responsible for movement and communication in the body. In Sandhigatavāta, aggravated Vāta leads to joint destruction and inflammation.
4) Ushna (Usna):
Ūṣṇa signifies hot potency in Ayurveda. Herbs with Ūṣṇa Vīrya, such as Śūṇṭhī, Ashwagandha, and Guggulu, counteract cold and Vāta imbalances, promoting warmth and circulation.
5) Disease:
In Ayurveda, a disease like Sandhigatavāta (osteoarthritis) is understood through the imbalance of Doṣas. Sandhigatavāta is a Vāta-dominating condition affecting the joints, leading to degeneration and inflammation.
6) Kapha:
Kapha is another fundamental bioenergy (Doṣa) that provides structure, stability, and lubrication. Its decrease, particularly in the synovial fluid (Śleṣaka Kapha), is crucial in the pathogenesis of Sandhigatavāta.
7) Tikta:
Tikta indicates bitter taste. Herbs like Gudūcī (Tinospora cordifolia) and Ābhā (Acacia nilotica) possessing Tikta Rasa are essential in detoxifying and balancing Kapha and Pitta, supporting anti-inflammatory actions.
8) Madhura:
Madhura denotes sweetness. Herbs like Aśwagandhā (Withania somnifera) and Śatāvarī (Asparagus racemosus) with Madhura Rasa are nourishing (Balya), rejuvenating (Rasāyana), and beneficial in reducing Vāta.
9) Laghu:
Laghu means lightness, a property in many herbs like Śūṇṭhī. Laghu qualities help in reducing heaviness and congestion, thereby balancing Kapha and aiding in digestion and metabolic processes.
10) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological relevance includes therapeutic effects of herbs in Trayodaśāṇga guggulu, such as anti-inflammatory actions of Guggulu, and chondroprotective effects of Gudūcī. They validate traditional practices with contemporary research findings.
11) Medicine:
Ayurvedic medicines like Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu combine multiple herbs to balance Doṣas and treat disorders such as Sandhigatavāta. These formulations are seen as complementary and alternative medicine by modern standards.
12) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasāyana therapies like those involving Aśwagandhā and Śatāvarī in Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu enhance vitality and longevity by rejuvenating body tissues and promoting overall health.
13) Balya:
Balya herbs like Guggulu and Aśwagandhā strengthen body tissues, hence vital in managing Dhātukṣaya or tissue degeneration seen in conditions like osteoarthritis (Sandhigatavāta).
14) Pain:
Pain management in osteoarthritis (Sandhigatavāta) is achieved through various analgesic and anti-inflammatory herbs in Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu, such as Guggulu and Vidhārā.
15) Vatavyadhi (Vata-vyadhi):
Vāta-vyādhi refers to a group of conditions due to Vāta imbalance. Sandhigatavāta (osteoarthritis) is one such disorder treated with formulations like Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu.
16) Snigdha:
Snigdha means oily or unctuous. Herbs with Snigdha properties like Madhura Rasa help balance Vāta and support joint lubrication, critical in managing Sandhigatavāta.
17) Samaka (Shamaka):
Śāmaka herbs balance Doṣas and reduce inflammation. For instance, Vāta-Śāmaka herbs in Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu include Guggulu and Devadāru, aiding in Vāta-related joint disorders.
18) Dhatukshaya (Dhatuksaya, Dhatu-kshaya):
Dhātukṣaya indicates tissue depletion, a fundamental cause of Sandhigatavāta as described in Ayurveda, where improper nutrition and aging deplete bodily tissues, aggravating Vāta.
19) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine focused on balancing Doṣas for health. It employs treatments like Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu for managing conditions like Sandhigatavāta (osteoarthritis) through holistic approaches.
20) Dipana:
Dīpana means promoting digestive fire (Agnimāndya). Herbs like Śūṇṭhī and Ajamodā in Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu enhance metabolism and help address the root cause of Vāta disorders.
21) Sneha:
Sneha means oiliness, crucial for joint lubrication. Reduction in Sneha, especially Śleṣaka Kapha, leads to Sandhigatavāta. Therapy aims to restore Sneha through herbs with unctuous properties.
22) Asthi (Ashthi):
Asthi signifies bones. In Sandhigatavāta, Vāta imbalances deteriorate Asthi Dhātu (bone tissue), leading to osteoarthritis. Ayurveda aims to strengthen Asthi using herbs like Babūla.
23) Drug:
Ayurvedic drugs like Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu combine multiple herbs to address Sandhigatavāta (osteoarthritis). These include anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and Rasāyana properties to balance Doṣas.
24) Inflammation:
Inflammation in osteoarthritis is due to Vāta imbalances causing Śotha (swelling). Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu’s herbal constituents have anti-inflammatory properties to manage joint inflammation.
25) Shothahara (Sothahara, Shotha-hara):
Śothahara herbs reduce swelling and inflammation. In Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu, ingredients like Devadāru and Rasnā possess strong Śothahara (anti-inflammatory) properties.
26) Ajamoda (Aja-moda):
Ajamodā, used in Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu, has carminative (Rocana) and Dīpana (stimulating digestive fire) properties, aiding in the management of Vāta disorders.
27) Sandhi (Shandhi, Samdhi):
Sandhi means joint. Sandhigatavāta involves joint deterioration. Herbs in Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu, like Guggulu and Gudūcī, are used to support joint health and function.
28) Rashmi (Rasmi):
Rashmi Kathait is one of the authors of the article, contributing research on Sandhigatavāta and the pharmacological basis of Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu.
29) Kashaya (Kasaya):
Kaṣāya denotes astringent taste, which has drying properties beneficial for Pitta and Kapha imbalances. Herbs like Ābhā and Guḍūcī in Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu exhibit this taste.
30) India:
India, home to Ayurveda, provides a rich lore of ancient medicinal knowledge utilized in formulations like Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu to treat degenerative joint disorders.
31) Kumar:
Ajai Kumar Pandey, a co-author, contributed research on the pharmacological basis of Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu and its efficacy in managing Sandhigatavāta.
32) Roga:
Roga means disease. Vātavyadhi, including Sandhigatavāta (osteoarthritis), reflects a disorder that Ayurveda treats by balancing Doṣas using herbal formulations.
33) Guna:
Guṇa in Ayurveda refers to the qualities of a substance, such as Laghu (light) and Snigdha (unctuous). These qualities, present in Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu, influence its therapeutic actions.
34) Tribulus terrestris:
Tribulus terrestris, known as Gokṣuru in Ayurveda, is included in Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu for its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and analgesic properties.
35) Agnimandya (Agni-mandya, Agnimamdya):
Agnimāndya signifies weak digestive fire, leading to Vātavyādhi. Dīpana herbs like Śūṇṭhī and Ajamodā in Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu help enhance digestion and rectify Agnimāndya.
36) Shatapushpa (Satapuspa, Shata-pushpa):
Śatapuṣpā, known for its Dīpana (digestive stimulant) and Anulomana (carminative) properties, aids in managing Vāta-related digestive issues in formulations like Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu.
37) Samprapti:
Saṃprāpti is the pathogenesis of a disease. In Sandhigatavāta, improper nutrition and lifestyle factors lead to Dhātukṣaya and Vāta exacerbation, causing joint degeneration.
38) Shatavari (Satavari):
Śatāvari, or Asparagus racemosus, in Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu is known for its Rasāyana and rejuvenating properties, beneficial in reducing Vāta imbalances and supporting tissue health.
39) Devadaru (Deva-daru):
Devadāru, included in Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu, has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it valuable in managing Sandhigatavāta and other joint disorders.
40) Vidhara:
Vidhārā, also part of Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu, possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, contributing to its role in treating joint pain and inflammation.
41) Hapusha (Hapusa):
Hapuṣā, another component of Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu, helps alleviate joint pain through its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
42) Ruksha (Ruksa):
Rūkṣa means dryness. Herbs with Rūkṣa properties are often astringent (Kaṣāya) and help in drying up excess moisture associated with Kapha, thus balancing Doṣas in Sandhigatavāta.
43) Rasna (Rashna, Rasona, Rasa-una):
Rāsnā, an essential herb in Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu, offers rejuvenating and anti-inflammatory effects, playing a role in healing joint disorders and managing Vāta-related conditions.
44) Ayus (Ayush):
AYUSH is the Indian government ministry promoting traditional systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, crucial for developing and researching compounds like Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu.
45) Hara:
Hara means to remove or alleviate. Many herbs in Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu possess disease-alleviating (Śāmaka) properties, providing relief from pain and inflammation.
46) Sita (Shita):
Śīta means cold potency. However, the Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu formulation predominantly uses Ūṣṇa (hot potency) herbs, balancing Vāta and reducing cold-induced joint stiffness.
47) Guru:
[see source text or glossary: Guru]
48) Ghi (Ghee):
Ghee (Ghrita) is used in Ayurvedic formulations like Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu as a carrier (Yogavāhi) to enhance the absorption and penetration of active ingredients.
49) Tinospora cordifolia:
Tinospora cordifolia, known as Gudūcī, is present in Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu for its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and osteoprotective properties, aiding in joint health.
50) Zingiber officinale:
Zingiber officinale, commonly known as Śūṇṭhī or ginger, is included in Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu for its Dīpana (digestive stimulant), anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
51) Withania somnifera:
Withania somnifera, or Aśwagandhā, is an important ingredient in Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu. Known for anti-inflammatory and Rasāyana properties, it supports joint health and reduces degeneration.
52) New Delhi:
New Delhi, serving as India's capital, hosts the central regulatory bodies for Ayurvedic research like the Ministry of AYUSH, which supports projects on formulations such as Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu.
53) Shleshakakapha (Slesakakapha, Shleshaka-kapha):
Śleṣaka-kapha, the synovial fluid in joints, is critical in joint lubrication and health. Its reduction is a key factor in Sandhigatavāta pathology, according to Ayurveda.
54) Kaphavata (Kapha-vata):
Kapha-Vāta balance is essential in managing joint health. Ayurvedic formulations like Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu use herbs to balance these Doṣas, providing therapeutic effects against degeneration and inflammation.
55) Anulomana:
Anulomana refers to the regulation of bodily channels, promoting proper functioning. Herbs like Ajamodā and Śatapuṣpā in Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu aid in digestion and Vāta regulation.
56) Vishaghna (Visaghna, Visha-ghna):
Viṣaghna means detoxifying. Herbs with this property, like Śatāvarī and Guḍūcī, help remove toxins from the body, supporting the treatment of diseases like Sandhigatavāta.
57) Vatahara (Vata-ahara):
Vātahara refers to herbs that alleviate Vāta-related disorders. Devadāru and Guggulu in Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu are known for their Vātahara properties, balancing excessive Vāta.
58) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
Vātadoṣa is one of the primary Doṣas in Ayurveda. Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu aims to balance Vātadoṣa, managing conditions like Sandhigatavāta through its various herbal ingredients.
59) Avarana:
Āvaraṇa is the obstruction caused by other Doṣas like Kapha, leading to Vāta disorders. In Sandhigatavāta, Āvaraṇa exacerbates symptoms and is addressed through appropriate herbs.
60) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
Tridoṣa reflects the three primary bioenergies in Ayurveda (Vāta, Pitta, Kapha). A balanced Tridoṣa is essential for health, and formulations like Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu aim to achieve this balance.
61) Shleshaka (Slesaka):
Śleṣaka specifically refers to the subtype of Kapha responsible for the lubrication of joints. Its depletion is a key concern in Sandhigatavāta, leading to joint stiffness and pain.
62) Caraka:
Ācārya Caraka, a principal contributor to Ayurvedic texts, provides profound insights into Vātavyādhi and the management of conditions like Sandhigatavāta, referenced in formulations like Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu.
63) Guduci:
Guḍūcī, or Tinospora cordifolia, is included in Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu for its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and chondroprotective properties, crucial in managing joint health.
64) Yavani:
Yavānī, part of Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu, is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It helps manage pain and inflammation in Vāta-related joint disorders.
65) Tikshna (Tiksna):
Tīkṣṇa means sharp or penetrating, a property in some herbs that help stimulate digestive fire and reduce Agnimāndya, critical in balancing Doṣas for Sandhigatavāta management.
66) Cancer:
Cancerous conditions can benefit from Ayurvedic herbs with anti-cancer properties. Ābhā and Ajamodā in Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu have shown potential anti-cancer effects along with other therapeutic uses.
67) Shotha (Sotha):
Śotha means swelling or edema. Anti-Śotha herbs in Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu, such as Devadāru and Rāsnā, help manage inflammation and joint swelling in Sandhigatavāta.
68) Delhi:
Delhi, specifically New Delhi, hosts important Ayurvedic research institutions like the Ministry of AYUSH, which support studies on formulations such as Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu for joint disorders.
69) Dosha (Dosa):
Doṣas are fundamental bioenergies in Ayurveda, governing bodily functions. Vāta, Pitta, and Kapha imbalances lead to diseases, and formulations like Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu aim to restore this balance.
70) Human life:
[see source text or glossary: Human life]
71) Commiphora mukul:
Commiphora mukul, known as Guggulu, is a key component of Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu. Its potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties help manage joint degeneration and pain.
72) Sthanasamshraya (Sthanasamsraya, Sthana-samshraya):
[see source text or glossary: Sthānasaṃśraya]
73) Vedanasthapana (Vedana-sthapana):
Vedanasthapana refers to pain-relieving properties. Herbs like Guggulu and Śūṇṭhī in Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu exhibit Vedanasthapana action, aiding in pain management in joint disorders.
74) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Anti-bacterial properties of certain herbs in Trayodaśāṇga Guggulu, like Ajamodā, complement its therapeutic efficacy in preventing infections and supporting overall joint health.
75) Janusandhi (Janu-sandhi):
[see source text or glossary: Jānu-sandhi]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 136]