Exploratory quasi-experimental study of anti-arthritic activity of ayurvedic polyherbal formulation, Abha Guggulu in osteoarthritis patients

• Published in: Drug metabolism and drug interactions Vol. 38; no. 3; pp. 281 - 288
• Main Authors: Hedaoo, Mrinmayee, Patil-Bhole, Trupti, Sharma, Rohit, Mahajan, Madhavi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Walter de Gruyter GmbH 01.09.2023
• Subjects: Arthritis; Clinical trials; Osteoarthritis; Quasi-experimental methods; anti-inflammatory; Commiphora wightii; Acacia nilotica; Abha Guggulu; WOMAC scale; osteoarthritis
• ISSN: 0792-5077; 2363-8915; 2191-0162
• DOI: 10.1515/dmpt-2022-0187

Abha Guggulu (AG) is a traditional Ayurvedic herbal formulation used for treating joint disorders and bone fractures. Individually, the ingredients are known for their promising anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating actions. The present study attempts to explore the anti-arthritic potential of AG through an exploratory clinical trial. The study was conducted using a quasi-experimental model. The clinical trial has been registered in Clinical Trials Registry of India (registration number: CTRI/2019/09/021354). Osteoarthritis patients of both genders (n=12, 40-70 years age group), meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria, were recruited in the single arm study. AG was administered in tablet form in a dose of 1.5 g, twice daily. The WOMAC score was used as a primary outcome measure. The WOMAC scale of patients was recorded on 0th, 15th and 30th days of treatment. At the end of treatment, there was a significant difference in the scores of the outcome measure. As per WOMAC total score, participants were significantly improved (p=0.002) after consuming the drug for 1 month. Overall, the data indicates significant improvement of subjects in both scales and objective measures used for assessment purposes. There were no adverse drug reactions reported during the trial. AG may be used as a safe and effective supplement to reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis. The clinical efficacy of the formulation might be mediated through the synergistic blend of herbal bioactive compounds from AG.