Abstract

A REVIEW OF PRE-CLINICAL STUDIES ON OBESITY MARKERS USING AYURVEDIC MEDICINAL PLANTS

*Korabu J. R. and Kulkarni A. M.

Abstract

Obesity is the most prevalent problem among all age group & population worldwide which is associated with increased mortality & morbidity rate. Disappointing results were seen after cessation of lifestyle modification & pharmacotherapy. This has established need for some non-invasive & safer treatment modalities. Ayurveda has given enough focus on obesity (Sthaulya) & its related complications. In last 2 decades many researches has been done to assess anti-obesity potential of Ayurvedic medicinal plants. As compared to human studies pre-clinical studies gives quantitatively more accurate & faster results. They contribute to the first level of evidence in the clinical applications of Ayurvedic Plants. These studies allows easy monitoring under strict and controlled conditions and interventions. A review about efficacy of herbal medicines in the management of obesity in pre-clinical trials was carried out by searching bibliographic data bases such as, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. In this paper we have reviewed pre-clinical anti-obesity studies reported during January 2000 to December 2020. We particularly reviewed anti-obesity potential of 25 Ayurvedic medicinal plants. Critical review of action of these plants on obesity markers is reviewed & summarised in this article, which will help readers to understand the mode of action of Ayurvedic plants on obesity.

Keywords: Pre-clinical anti-obesity studies, Ayurvedic medicinal plants, immunomodulators (Pro-inflammatory & anti-inflammatory cytokines, hypolipidemic agents.