Ama-Vata Hara (Anti-Rheumatoid Arthritis) Formulations of Bhaishajya Ratnavali: At a Glance

Abstract

Amavata is the most crippling of the joint diseases, found globally in all climates and ethnic groups. It is a disease instigated due to the vitiation or worsening of Vayu linked with Ama (Undigested food). Vitiated Vayu mingles the Ama all over the body through Dhamanies (Arteries & Veins), takes lodging in the Shleshma Sthana (small and big joints) & harvest symptoms such as stiffness, swelling and tenderness thus assembly a person lame. The symptoms of Amavata revealed in Ayurveda are found slightly undistinguishable to Rheumatism, which embrace Rheumatoid arthritis & Rheumatic Fever. Due to extensive gamut of disease, abundant more prevalence in the civilisation and deficiency of effective medicine, the disease has been selected for the literary Survey. Acharya Govinddas Sen has mentioned numerous formulations acting on Aamvata (Rheumatoid Arthritis) in his book Bhaishajya Ratnavali. The present study is designed to screen the formulations with Ama-vatahara (Anti-Rheumatoid Arthritis) property. Out of 3456 formulations mentioned in Bhaishajya Ratnavali, 151 are found described for the treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis throughout the text which includes herbal, mineral and animal origin drug formulations.

Probable Pharmacology of Rasna Saptak Kwath in Amavata (Rheumatoid Arthritis): A Review

“…Ama (Undigested food) and Vata are mainly held responsible for the disease, derangement of the kapha dosha, especially shleshmak kapha, which produces joint pain and swelling with tenderness, can be correlated with rheumatoid arthritis and with ama taking shelter in the avalambak kapha sthana. 29 Tikta and katu rasa drugs have dipana and pachana properties which have a significant role in clearing ama from body. Katu rasa is also known for improving intestinal motility acting as Vatanulomka.…”