Rheumatoid arthritis (Hudar) represents a systemic autoimmune condition marked by persistent inflammatory processes that predominantly affect the synovial joints in a symmetrical pattern, particularly targeting the smaller articulations of the hands and feet. This multisystem disorder frequently presents with manifestations extending beyond the joints. Contemporary medical approaches offer various therapeutic interventions; however, complete disease remission remains elusive. Disease exacerbations commonly occur following treatment discontinuation, underscoring the chronic and progressive nature of this condition.
Within the framework of traditional Unani medicine, rheumatoid arthritis falls under the broader classification of Waja al-Mafasil. The Unani therapeutic system employs numerous preparations, both for systemic administration and topical application, demonstrating considerable therapeutic potential in addressing Waja al-Mafasil. This investigation sought to assess both the therapeutic effectiveness and safety profile of the traditional Unani compound formulation Majoon e Azaraqi in managing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
Materials and Methods
The study involved a 35-year-old female participant who met the diagnostic criteria established by the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) classification system for rheumatoid arthritis. The intervention protocol consisted of administering Majoon e Azaraqi over an eight-week treatment period.
Results
Pre-treatment assessment revealed a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain rating of 7, representing substantial pain intensity. Following the completion of the eight-week therapeutic regimen, the VAS measurement decreased markedly to 2. Concurrent improvements were documented in the Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28), which declined from an initial value of 5 to 2 upon treatment completion. Additional laboratory parameters demonstrated favorable changes, including reductions in C-reactive protein levels, anti-streptolysin O titers, and rheumatoid factor concentrations.
Statistical analysis using paired t-test methodology revealed significant improvement in subjective symptom measures (p = 0.0051, p < 0.05), providing statistical validation for the therapeutic benefits of Majoon-e-Azaraqi in rheumatoid arthritis management. Conclusion The present case documentation indicates that Majoon-e-Azaraqi demonstrates therapeutic value in managing Hudar (rheumatoid arthritis), likely attributable to its inherent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving mechanisms. Nevertheless, the study's limitations, including the single-subject design and absence of comparative controls, restrict the broader applicability of these findings. Comprehensive randomized controlled trials with larger patient populations are essential to establish definitive therapeutic efficacy.