First of its kind phase 3 clinical trial in Ayurveda for Rheumatoid Arthritis

What is the News?

The Ministry of Ayush is conducting the world’s first multicenter phase III clinical trial examining the efficacy of Ayurveda in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. 

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA)?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation of the joints and other parts of the body.

Caused by: Our immune system releases antibodies when a foreign material like bacteria and fungus enters the body. Those antibodies fight the foreign material and kill them. However, in some cases, the immune system can mistakenly send antibodies to attack their own cells. (In this case: the lining of joints) This is the root cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Risk Factors: The characteristics that increase the risk of RA are:

– Age: RA can begin at any age, but the likelihood increases with age. The onset of RA is highest among adults in their sixties.

– Sex: New cases of RA are typically two-to-three times higher in women than men.

– Genetics/inherited traits: People born with specific genes are more likely to develop RA.

– Smoking and Obesity: Multiple studies show that smoking and obesity increases a person’s risk of developing RA.

Symptoms: Common symptoms include stiff joints, especially when getting up in the morning or after sitting down for a while. Some people experience fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell.

Diagnosis: RA is diagnosed by reviewing symptoms, conducting a physical examination, and doing X-rays and lab tests.

Treatment: Treatments include medications, rest, exercise, and, in some cases, surgery to correct joint damage.

Source: This post is based on an article “First of its kind phase 3 clinical trial in Ayurveda for Rheumatoid Arthritis” published in PIB on 24th March 2022