Joint Stiffness

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of an aqueous extract of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) in knee joint pain, both doses significantly reduced the outcomes measured, the 250 mg dose more so, and no significant stomach or gut disturbance was reported ^[1]. It was a single trial in knee pain, so it does not show benefit for stiffness. A clinical evaluation of three classical Ayurvedic medicines (Vatari guggulu, Maharasnadi kwatha and Narayan taila) reported benefit and safety in knee osteoarthritis, but the evidence is limited ^[2]. In a randomised study of 118 people with Amavata (which the study equates with rheumatoid arthritis), Matra Basti, a medicated oil enema given with herbal medicine, gave better relief in most of the main signs and symptoms than herbal medicine alone, although both groups improved ^[3]. A clinical study of Amrita Ghrita, a medicated ghee, reported significant falls in rheumatoid factor and CRP, blood tests linked to inflammation, in people with Amavata. Its summary describes measurements before and after treatment and does not describe a comparison group, so this is early evidence ^[4]. A review describes how Ayurvedic plants may act on inflammation in arthritis ^[5], though much of this is laboratory research.