CLINICAL EVALUATION OF EFFICACY OF MUNḍIJ AND MUSHIL THERAPY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Objective: To study the anti-arthritic effect of a Unani regimen comprising of Munḍij wa Mushil therapy along with Habb-e-Gul-e-Aak and to propose a safe and alternative therapy for RA. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 30 diagnosed patients of RA fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited and randomly distributed into two groups A&B with 20 patients in the test and 10 in the control groups, respectively. In Group A, Munḍij and Mushil therapy was given for 21 days once in the morning and then HGA for 28 days twice a day. Patients in Group B were treated with Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) 200 mg twice a day for 49 days. All the patients were examined clinically before the treatment and follow-up was programmed 7th day, 21st day, 28th day, 42nd day, and 49th day. The efficacy was determined on subjective parameters as well as Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The biochemical and hematological investigations were conducted on baseline, 21st and, 49th day. The statistical analysis was done by the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test, Maan-Whitney test, and Paired‘t test. Results: The improvement in both Groups at the end of treatment was statistically significant on WOMAC & VAS scales and subjective parameters. Conclusion: The findings demonstrated significant symptomatic relief in the patients of RA suggesting that the regimen is effective in the management of RA.