Ayurvedic Management of Aamvata (Rheumatoid Arthritis) Using Shamana Chikitsa: A Retrospective Observational Case Series

Abstract

Background: Aamvata is an inflammatory joint disorder described in Ayurveda, characterized by multiple joint pain, stiffness, and swelling due to impaired digestion and accumulation of Aam (improperly digested food that becomes toxic and circulates in the body). It bears close clinical resemblance to Rheumatoid Arthritis. Material and Methods: Four individuals in this case series were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis based on the ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria (score ≥6/10). All patients provided Ayurvedic treatment in addition to dietary and lifestyle changes after being evaluated clinically and using laboratory measures (RA factor, ESR, and CRP). Result: All four patients showed significant clinical and biochemical improvement following treatment. RA factor reduced from 46.3 IU/mL to 27.1 IU/mL in Case 1 and from 97.1 IU/mL to 39 IU/mL in Case 2. In Case 3, CRP decreased from 6.5 mg/L to 2.46 mg/L. In Case 4, RA factors decreased to <10 IU/mL, with ESR reduced to 2 mm/hr and CRP to 2.32 mg/L. ESR improved from 29 mm/hr to 17 mm/hr and CRP from 4.36 mg/L to 0.65 mg/L in Case 1. Overall, all four patients demonstrated marked reduction in joint pain, morning stiffness, and inflammatory markers, along with improvement in functional status. Conclusion: Individualized Ayurvedic Shamana Chikitsa demonstrated significant clinical and biochemical improvement in patients with Aamvata, suggesting its potential as a safe and effective long-term management approach.