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Rheumatoid arthritis is an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory disease affecting multiple joints. It manifests as the continuous destruction of joints and the persistence of the chronic inflammatory response. It typically affects the knee and the wrists the most. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterised by the gradual onset of pain accompanied by symmetric swelling of the small joints, tenderness, morning stiffness, and impairment of motion of the affected joints. Extra-articular signs include fatigue, fever, and weight loss.

In 2020, 17.6 million cases of Rheumatoid arthritis were reported worldwide. While Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects adults in their sixties, women are affected two to three times more frequently than men. According to a single-centre study carried out in South India, many households with members who have Rheumatoid arthritis risk financial collapse due to their limited health insurance coverage and the need to pay for medical care out of pocket.

The exact cause of Rheumatoid arthritis remains unknown. Its pathogenesis and clinical characteristics do not correspond with a particular Ayurvedic disease entity either. However, ‘Vataraktam’ - defined by the WHO Standard Terminologies as a disorder characterized by pain in the small joints of the body that gradually spreads to the other portions of the body, causing pain, numbness, and itching in all of the hands and feet - is closely associated with Rheumatoid arthritis.

Guduchi Taila composed of Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Tila Taila (Sesamum indicum), and Goksheera (cow milk) are therapeutically effective when utilized in patients of Rheumatoid arthritis. 

Guduchi helps in removing the obstructions in channels, thus enabling the purification of the blood. It pacifies the Pitta and Vata doshas along with strengthening the Kapha dosha. Guduchi is also a nootropic drug that enhances cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, intelligence, and mental clarity. Due to the presence of flavonoids and alkaloids, Guduchi effectively inhibits inflammation and acts as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic in conditions like Rheumatoid arthritis. 

Tila Taila pacifies Vata dosha and works on blood purification. It enhances the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects which are beneficial for arthritis patients.

Goksheera (cow milk) pacifies the Vata and Pitta doshas as well as enhances blood quality. Milk’s calcium, fats, and proteins offer benefits in inflammatory conditions and are reported to have protective and preventive roles against Rheumatoid arthritis. Its antioxidant micronutrients help prevent tissue damage in patients. 

Thus, combining Guduchi, Tila Taila, and Goksheera, to form a single formulation comes as a promising option for treating Rheumatoid arthritis based on the principles of Vataraktam.

Based on the disease strength and digestive power of the patient, a therapeutic dose of Guduchi Taila is advised based on the AFI as 6–12 g per day. For ease of administration and palatability, Guduchi Taila can be advised to be taken with warm milk or warm water as an adjuvant. This has to be repeated 7, 21, 41, or 100 times as per doctor's instruction. 

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