Anti-Inflammatory
Anti-Arthritic Effects of R. Compounds
(A Clinical study)
Dr, A. K, Jain, MD.(Ay.) (Cal.) Research Scholar
Dr. B. P. Shaw, MD (Ay.) (Cal.) Ph. D (Bhu) Reader
Institute of Post-Graduate Training & Research in Ayurveda, S.V.S.P,
Hospital, CALCUTTA. 700 009
Introduction:
Rheumatic disorders are always
associated with pain and inflammation. Based on their anti-inflammatory and
analgesic properties a number of drugs are in use in these disorders. These
disorders often disable the person from doing any work. So the patient desires
relief in the shortest time possible. Numerous drugs like aspirin, phenyl
butazone, indo- methacin, ibuprofen and cortico-steroids are being used with
varying degrees of success but unfortunately they have their limitations and
particularly their side-effects are the main draw back.
A large number of herbal and mineral drugs and combinations are in
use in Ayurveda since ancient times for the treatment of arthritic and rheumatic
disorders and these drugs have stood the test of time, both in short term use
and long term use. One such product is R. Compound (Alarsin). Since 1947 many
studies have appeared on this drug showing its efficacy and safety. A trial
was therefore undertaken to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic
effects of R. Compound in a variety of rheumatic and allied conditions and in
soft Tissue Trauma.
R. Compound is a combination
of Mahayograj Guggul and MabaRasnadiQuath with Gold Bhasma processed in Haldi.
Gold Bhasma is gold reduced
to ash form by special Ayurvedic processes Gold Bhasma is nontoxic and
non-cumulative. It has no harmful effects on the kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal
system and skin; it builds up body resistance to disease.
Mahavograj Guggul is anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, anti-bacterial,
antipyretic and haematinic. Its Chief ingredient Guggul (Balsamodendron Mukul)
disinfects, stimulates and regulates the functions of genito-urinary tract,
skin and other organs.
Rasna (pluchealanceolata)
the main ingredient of MahaRasnadiquath has anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory,
analgesic, diuretic and detoxicating properties.
Haldi (Curcuma longa) is
anti-inflammatory and antibacterial; it stimulates metabolism.
Materials and Methods
The clinical trial was
conducted during a period of 9 months in 1982. 83 Patients were taken fromO.P.D.
and from those admitted to the indoor Department of the Institute of P. G.
Training and Research in Ayurveda & the S.V.S P. Hospital, Calcutta.
Only those patients with complaints referable to rheumatic, Arthritic, collagen
and Soft Tissue Trauma were randomly included in the study.
Dosage of R. Compound
R. Compound was given 2 tabs
three timesa day for 2-6 weeks depending upon the condition and its severity.
Where necessary, R.Compound was continued for 8-12 weeks more depending upon
the condition and its severity. The minimum period of treatment was 2 weeks and
the maximum period was 18 weeks depending upon the condition and its response
to R Compound treatment.
Males and Females: Age groups
There were 20 Males (66.7%)
and 10 females (33.3%) in the study, male to female ratio being 2:1.
The ages of the patients ranged from 18 years to 60 years.
Clinical Diagnosis
There were 7 (23.3%) cases
of Soft Tissue Rheumatism; 6 (20.0%) cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis, 5(16.7%)
cases of Soft Tissue Trauma, 4 (13.3%) cases of Arthralgia; 3 (10.0%) cases of
Myalgia; 2 (6.7%) cases of Ankylosing Spondylitis; 2 (6.7%) cases of
Osteo-arthritis and 1 (3.3%) case of Gout (Table I)
Table I:
Clinical Diagnosis
|
Diagnosis |
No of
Cases |
% |
|
Soft Tissue Rheumatism |
7 |
23.3% |
|
Rheumatoid Arthritis |
6 |
20.0% |
|
Soft Tissue Trauma |
5 |
16.7% |
|
Arthralgia |
4 |
13.3% |
|
Myalgia |
3 |
10.0% |
|
Ankylosing Spondylitis |
2 |
6.7% |
|
Osteo-arthritis |
2 |
6.7% |
|
Gout: |
1 |
3.3% |
|
|
30 |
100.0% |
Assessment of Results
Assessment of results was
based on the clinical improvement and subjective relief and a sense of
wellbeing. Result was classified as Good where there was relieffrom pain,
inflammation and no pain or pressure. In cases of arthritis there was also
increased movement. The patient felt better in every way and there was a sense
of wellbeing. It was classified as Fair when there was some definite
improvement in the relief of inflammation and pain and increasedmovement of the
joint. Cases with slight or no improvement were classified as Poor.
Results of R. Compound Treatment
The improvement was Good in
the majority of patients except in the case of Gout. Improvement was the
highest in Myalgia (100%) and in Soft Tissue Trauma (100%). It was Good in 71.4%
of Soft Tissue Rheumatism followed by 66.6% in Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Over-all, the response to R.
Compound therapy was Good in 20 patients (66.7%), Fair in 8 patients (26.7%)
and Poor in 2 patients (6.6%) (Table II)
Discussion
R. Compound an Ayurvedic
product with Gold Bhasma is found to be an effective non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory analgesic and anti-arthritic drug in the treatment rheumatic
and collagen disorders and Soft Tissue Trauma. Its efficacy is comparable to
drugs in conventional use with the additional advantage that it has no toxic
or side effects; is a safe drug for a short, term use or even for prolonged use
where necessary.
Conclusions
1 R.
Compound is found to be a useful drug in the treatment of Rheumatic, Collagen
and non- rheumatic inflammatory conditions like Soft Tissue Trauma.
2 There
is relief from Pain and Inflammation and increased mobility of the affected
joint.
3 No
toxic or side effects are observed with the use of R.Compound.
Table II: Results of R Compound
Treatment
|
Compliant |
Before Treatment |
Good |
% |
Fair |
% |
Poor |
% |
|
Soft Tissue Rheumatism |
7 |
5 |
71.4% |
2 |
28.6% |
|
|
|
Rheumatoid Arthritis |
6 |
4 |
66.6% |
1 |
16.7% |
1 |
16.7% |
|
Soft Tissue Trauma |
5 |
5 |
100.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
Arthralgia |
4 |
2 |
50.0% |
2 |
50.0% |
|
|
|
Myalgia |
3 |
3 |
100.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
Ankylosing Spondylitis |
2 |
1 |
50.0% |
1 |
50.0% |
|
|
|
Osteo-Arthritis |
2 |
|
|
1 |
50.0% |
1 |
50.0% |
|
Gout |
1 |
|
|
1 |
100.0% |
|
|
|
Total |
30 |
20 |
66.7% |
8 |
26.7% |
2 |
6.6% |
Acknowledgement
We thank the Director of Ayurveda, Govt, of West
Bengal for the permission given to undertake this trial.
Our thanks to Alarsin Pharmaceuticals, Bombay 400
023 for their cooperation.
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