MULTIMODAL RADIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF AYURVEDIC PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC MUSCULOSKELETAL AND INFLAMMATORY DISORDERS

Abstract

Chronic musculoskeletal and inflammatory disorders, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and chronic pain syndromes, are major contributors to disability and reduced quality of life worldwide. Increasing interest in complementary and integrative medicine has led to growing utilization of Ayurvedic pharmacological interventions for managing these conditions. However, objective evaluation of their therapeutic efficacy remains a significant challenge. This review aimed to examine the role of multimodal radiological imaging in evaluating the effectiveness of Ayurvedic pharmacological interventions in chronic musculoskeletal and inflammatory disorders. A comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted using major academic databases. Studies investigating Ayurvedic formulations, herbal medicines, integrative therapeutic approaches, and radiological assessment methods in musculoskeletal and inflammatory disorders were identified, screened, and synthesized thematically. The results showed that Ayurvedic preparations, such as Yograj Guggulu, Maharasnadi Kashaya, Ashwagandha, Boswellia serrata and Curcumin-based preparations, have the potential to reduce pain, inflammation, and functional impairment. Multimodal imaging like traditional radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are useful objective measures of structural and inflammatory changes associated with treatment. The assessment of the therapeutic outcomes and disease progression is further improved with the aid of emerging technologies such as quantitative MRI, imaging biomarkers, radiomics, and artificial intelligence-based analysis of images. Multimodal radiological assessment provides a solid framework to objectively determine Ayurvedic pharmacological interventions. Clinical outcomes combined with the high-tech imaging procedures will contribute to the scientific corroboration of Ayurveda and the inclusion of Ayurveda into the evidence-based musculoskeletal care.