A comparative clinical study on the role of Virechana and Basti in the management of Gouty Arthritis

Background: Vatarakta is one of the disease conditions that is manifested due to vitiated Vata and Rakta. According to Acharya Charaka it is also called as Khudavata because of its affliction in smaller joints. The disease is compared to gouty arthritis which is manifested due to accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. Virechana and Basti are the Shodhana Chikitsa indicated in Vatarakta. Aims and Objectives: Hence the present study was taken to compare the efficacy of Virechana and Basti in managing Vatarakta Vyadhi and to compare their effect in reducing serum uric acid level. Materials and Methods: In the present study 100 subjects were randomly selected with 50 patients in each group. Group A was treated with Nimbamritadi Eranda Taila Virechana and Group B with Dashamoola Kashaya Nirooha Basti and Balaguduchyadi Taila Anuvasana Basti in Kala Basti Krama. The efficacy of the therapy was assessed based on the subjective symptoms like Sandhigraha, Sandhishoola, Vaivarnyata and Sparshasahatwa and objective parameters like serum uric acid level and Mac gills pain scale. Result: Basti Chikitsa was significant in reducing serum uric acid level as compared to Virechana which was not significant. Conclusion: It was concluded that Ardhamatrika Niruha Basti was more effective in reducing serum uric acid level as compared to Virechana