Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative rheumatological problem in the world-leading its way to affect millions of people. With the prevalence rate of 22% to 39% in India, the statistical data reveals that 45% of them are women. Out of which most of them end up showing relatable symptoms such as joint stiffness, pain & swelling while others show radiological presence of disease. Men over the age of 60- 65 years & women who have attained menopause present much progessive symptoms.

OA is a disease commonly referred to as “wear & tear” of the joint & has always been linked with old age joint deterioration, but in reality, it drastically affects the entire joint, involving the cartilage, joint lining, ligament & bone.

With no detailed understanding of pathophysiology or molecular mechanism involved in the initiation & progression of cartilage degeneration. It is somewhat demonstrated that both inflammatory and destructive responses are driven through a simulation & activation of IL-1 and TNF-α (cytokine) in the progressive state of OA

Precisely talking about the targeted treatment of osteoarthritis, there is no such established intervention that can actually reverse joint damage yet. Therefore nearly all concrete attempts performed by various health care professionals are to slow down the progression. Most often, this is possibly achieved with a mixture of drug therapy, physical measure & lastly surgical intervention.

Looking at the current burden & challenges associated with OA it is essential to come into action with the aim of a Pain-free life for osteoarthritis patients. With various researches heading its way to make a valuable difference, Ayurveda presents a strong vision to this inflexible, hard to procure disease; Osteoarthritis, commonly considered amongst one of the “Vatavyadhi '' in ancient texts.

Represents an essential pillar of therapy in Vatavyadhi (OA) with its wide range of versatile botanicals which shows multi modal, specifically targeted mechanisms in curing OA. These herbs over a course of time & interest have undergone extensive research & are proven to be efficiently benefiting in rheumatic condition. Some of the botanical are-

Tribulus terrestris (Gokhru): Effectively inhibits Tumour Necrosis Factor, (TNF alpha), a proinflammatory cytokine produced during the acute phase of disease & is responsible for synovial inflammation, necrosis or apoptosis.

Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutaki): Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are secreted from macrophage, chondrocyte as a result of the stimulatory effect of IL-1β, TNF-α & are responsible degradation of essential Extracellular matrix (ECM) protein which leads to cartilage degeneration. Kutaki with its phytoconsitution inhibits & reduces the elevated level of MMP in the subchondral bone, cartilage, and synovial membrane specimens in osteoarthritic patients & thereby exerts cartilage protective action.

Curcuma longa (Haridra): Curcuma a universally established herb in the condition of OA efficiently inhibits interleukin-1β (IL-1β), an inflammatory response mediator. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) known as a highly potent inducer of cartilage degradation, causing the induction of mRNA and controlling the bioavailability of disease-relevant proteases such as ADAMTS5 and MMP13. It drives synovitis and can induce other disease-relevant genes such as nerve growth factor, a key pain sensitizer in OA.

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): Exerts inhibition of type-2 collagenase which are responsible for the degradation of cartilage, ashwagandha also suppresses the proteoglycan action in order to prevent the worsening of joint health.

Pluchea lanceolata (Rasna): Relief pain & inflammation associated with joint immobility, synovitis & cartilage degeneration by suppressing prostaglandin levels & inhibiting Cox-2 which further reduces PGE2 production.

Vitex negundo (Nirgundi): Offers a free radical scavenging effect on Reactive Oxygen species (ROS) which are produced by abnormal chondrocyte metabolism & are meant to exceed mechanical stress on joints. The excessive production of ROS damages protein, lipids, matrix components & also amplifies the inflammatory response in osteoarthritis.

Essential oil- It is well established that pain management is the ultimate goal in osteoarthritis & various essential oils including eucalyptus, lavender, mentha & many more not only exerts aromatic property but the relief in pain.

Several ongoing researches revealed the positive outcome of the above botanicals, therefore keeping the benefits of these herbs in mind & paramount to improve the quality of life of millions of people AIMIL pharmaceuticals build up “Pain nil” formulation Muscalt Forte (in three different dosage form tablet, syrup & spray), which exerts an excellent combination of above-mentioned botanicals along with many other established herbal extracts.

Knowing the benefits of various botanicals in Ayurveda & understanding its scientific multi-modal action. It's time to bring the multiple approaches together & collectively bring a new revolution in this “Pain-Free Health Agenda” for your osteoarthritis patients.