AIIMS study found Ashwagandha powder, Sidh Makardhwaj are effective in treating Rheumatoid Arthritis

Ayurvedic formulations like Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) powder and Sidh Makardhwaj are effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which causes irreversible joint damage. This was revealed by a study conducted by All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

The pilot prospective study titled Efficacy & safety evaluation of Ayurvedic treatment (Ashwagandha powder & Sidh Makardhwaj) in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients was published in the latest issue of the Indian Journal of Medical Research on 2 April 2015.

The Study
The study was conducted by AIIMS on 125 RA patients for finding the cutting-edge treatments, for scientific validation of therapies offered under traditional systems of medicine.

For the pilot study, the patients took 5g of Ashwagandha powder twice a day for three weeks with lukewarm water or milk. Sidh Makardhwaj (100 mg) with honey was administered daily for the next four weeks.

The Findings
• A significant change in post-treatment scores of tender joint counts, swollen joint counts, physician global assessment score, patient global assessment score, pain assessment score, patient self assessed disability index score and ESR level were observed as compared to baseline scores.
• ACR20 response was observed in 56.4 per cent (44/78) patients (American College of Rheumatology criteria) and moderate response in 39.74 per cent (31/78) patients [European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria].
• Ayurvedic treatment for seven weeks in rheumatoid arthritis patients showed normal kidney and liver function tests.
• However, increased urinary mercury levels were was observed after treatment.

The Ashwagandha powder is derived from plant Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and it has anti-inflammatory, anti-stress and immuno-modulatory properties.

On the other hand, Sidh Makardhwaj is a formulation of herbal and mineral ingredients. It is a sublimed product made from pure mercury, sulphur and gold.