ROLE OF SHATAVARI IN MANAGEMENT OF EARLY OSTEOARTHRITIS.

Introduction:Osteoarthritis (OA) is most common form of progressive and degenerativejoint disease that results from breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone. It has been one of the primary causes of morbidity in elderly population, affecting their social and mental health due to the pain associated with degeneration. Vitamin D plays important role in calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, which in turn are responsible for strength of bones & cartilages. ALP is an enzymatic marker for bone metabolism, levels being predominantly increased in osteoblastic activity . Although there are multiple causes of osteoarthritis, deficiency of vitamin D, hypocalcemia & hypophosphatemia are predominantly responsible for pathophysiology of osteoarthritis. It is also characterized by increased ALP activity. Shatavari(Asparagus racemosa Linn) is considered to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulator, soothing, cooling, and lubricating influence on the body. In the present study effect of shatavari in patients of early osteoarthritis have been studied. Aim &Objectives:Clinical& biochemical evaluation of early osteoarthritis patients before & after Shatavari treatment. Material and methods: 30 patients of early osteoarthritis were clinically evaluated by orthopedic consultant by pain score and mobility of joints. Baseline blood sample was collected for estimation of S. Calcium, Phosphorus, ALP and Vit D. All patients were treated with Shatavari (Formulation prepared by ayurvedic medical college & hospital) at dosage of 3 gms OD for 2 months. Clinical & biochemical evaluation were repeated 15 days after the last dose of shatavari. Results: Result obtained were statistically analyzed by using paired t test. Post treatment analysis of samples showed significant (p<0.05) increase in Calcium ,Vitamin D and decrease in Alkaline phosphatase levels whereas difference in serum phosphorus was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: It can be concluded thatShatavari treatment has beneficial effect on the patients of early Osteoarthritis& should be included as a routine treatment in management of such patients.