Clinical evaluation of Dashangalepa formula for pain and swelling of joint diseases with in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity

Jayasiri A.P.A.1*, Amarasinghe A.P.G.2, Paranagama P.3 and Senanayake S.P.4

Abstract

Joint diseases are categorized into different types based on their symptoms in Ayurveda, predominant symptoms with pain and swelling, loss of activity, present deformities. Among them Sandigatha vata (osteoarthritis) and Amavata (Rheumatoid arthritis) are very common conditions. Dashangalepa is used as topical application to manage acute and chronic painful inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions. Aim of this study to evaluate the efficacy of reducing pain and swelling with anti- inflammatory activity. Volunteer Sixty (60) patients with Sandigatha vata or Amavata were selected and divided into two groups (n=30). Group I and II apply the test drug Dashangalepa and reference drug Rumalaya gel respectively. Pain was evaluated using universal pain assessment tool and swellings of the joints were taken by using tape measurements, in every 14 days for 8 weeks. Biochemical investigations were estimated for ESR, RH-factor, C-reactive proteins, SGOT, SGPT. Statistically significant reduction (P< 0.05) was observed in symptoms treated with test drug. Biochemical parameters not showed any alterations in pre and post treatment stages, which confirmed its safer efficacy. In vitro anti- inflammatory activity of Dashangalepa aqueous acidic preparation and Rumalaya gel were assessed separately using Human Red Blood Cell membrane stabilizing activity method, results revealed activity of both test and reference drug are similar and activity is increased by increasing the concentrations. Results can be concluded that test drug is similar herbal formula to previously proven reference drug, with safer effective anti-inflammatory pain and swelling reducing herbal formula for treat joint diseases.