Efficacy of Dashamooladi Ghrita Matra Basti with Local Ghrita Abhyanga in Janu Sandhigatavata (Knee Osteoarthritis): A Preliminary Single-Arm Clinical Study

Abstract

Janu SandhigataVata, comparable to knee osteoarthritis, is a degenerative joint disorder characterized by pain, stiffness, swelling, and functional impairment due to aggravated Vata Dosha and Dhatu Kshaya (tissue depletion). Ayurveda recommends Sneha-based therapies and Basti (therapeutic enema) as key interventions for Vata disorders (neuromusculoskeletal disorder caused by aggravated Vata). Dashamooladi Ghrita, a classical medicated ghee formulation, possesses Vatahara (alleviating aggravated Vata) and Brimhana (nourishing therapy) properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the preliminary clinical efficacy of Dashamooladi Ghrita administered as Matra Basti (oil enema therapy) along with local Abhyanga (therapeutic massage) in the management of Janu Sandigata Vata. A total of 30 patients aged 30–60 years were enrolled, of whom 26 completed the study. The intervention was administered for 14 days, followed by a 28-day follow-up period. Clinical outcomes were assessed using subjective parameters (pain, stiffness, tenderness, crepitation, and swelling) and objective measures including KOOS score. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The results showed statistically highly significant improvement (P < 0.001) in all parameters. The findings suggest that Dashamooladi Ghrita Matra Basti with Abhyanga is effective in the management of Janu Sandhigata Vata. However, further controlled studies are required to validate these findings