Ashwagandha was proven to be effective for managing and treating arthritis of the knee, according to a study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. The study was carried out by researchers from Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) looked at the efficacy and tolerability of the combination of the root and leaf extracts of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as Indian ginseng.
Ashwagandha is a plant that belongs to the Solanaceae family
and is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for its therapeutic effects on a
variety of musculoskeletal conditions, such as arthritis and rheumatism, and as
a general tonic to enhance overall health. (Related: Ashwagandha root for
effective anxiety and stress relief, improved immunity.)
In conducting the study, the researchers recruited 60
participants with knee joint pain and discomfort. They randomly gave the
participants either a 250-mg dose of ashwagandha, a 125-mg dose of ashwagandha,
or a placebo treatment twice daily for 12 weeks. In order to evaluate the
efficacy and tolerability of a standardized aqueous extract of roots and leaves
of ashwagandha, they used modified Western Ontario and McMaster Universities
Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) index score, pain relief as examined by Visual
Analogue Scale (VAS), and changes in Knee Swelling Index (KSI) in individuals
with pain and discomfort of knee joint. They took note of the measurements at
the beginning of the study, and after four, eight, and 12 weeks of treatment.
They also monitored the occurrence of any adverse effects of the treatments.
Results showed that the groups that received ashwagandha
treatments had significant reductions in WOMAC and KSI scores. In addition, the
ashwagandha groups also showed significant decreases in VAS scores for pain,
stiffness, and disability. However, the 250 mg dose of ashwagandha showed better
response compared to the 125 mg dose of ashwagandha. The higher ashwagandha
dose also exhibited faster response at the end of the fourth week compared to
the lower dose. Both doses of ashwagandha were well tolerated and did not show
any serious side effects.
“Both the doses of an aqueous extract of W. somnifera
produced significant reduction in outcome variables, with the 250 mg group
showing significantly better response,” the researchers wrote.
The researchers concluded that treatment with ashwagandha was
effective and safe when compared to baseline and placebo. They added that its
therapeutic response seems to be dose-dependent and free of any significant
side effects.
More about the arthritis of the knee
Although the knee is the largest and strongest joint in the
body, it is also the most common joint affected by arthritis. Arthritis is the
inflammation of one or more joints that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Arthritis of the knee can make it difficult to do daily activities, such as
walking or climbing stairs. Because of this, it is a primary cause of lost work
time and a severe disability for a lot of people. Three major types of
arthritis affect the knee: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and
post-traumatic arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis
of the knee that causes the cartilage in the knee joint to slowly wear away. As
the cartilage wears away, it becomes thin and rough, and the protective space
between the bone lessens. In turn, this can lead to bone rubbing on bone and
produce painful bone spurs. This type of knee arthritis most often occurs in
people who are 50 years old and older, although it may also occur in younger
people. It develops gradually, and its symptoms worsen over time. Source:
Naturalcures.news
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