Abstract

LAUHA RASAYANA AND VIDANGADI CHURNA: A COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS CLINICAL TRIAL IN THE MANAGEMENT OF OBESITY

Roshan Lal Nanama*, Saismitha N., Amit Kumar Sharma, Sanjay Kumar and Reetesh Ramnani

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Abstract

Purpose of study:- Obesity is the condition marked by an abnormal and excessive fat accumulation, associated with various health risks, affecting over one billion individuals worldwide according to WHO. In Ayurveda, it is linked with Sthoulya, and provides a range of therapeutic interventions for managing Sthoulya, beyond dietary and exercise adjustments. Among various formulations described in the classical texts Lauha Rasayana (LR) and Vidangadi Churna (VC) were selected for the study. LR and VC are quoted in Sthoulyarogadikara of Chakradatta and Dwidhopakramaneeya Adhyaya of Ashtanga Hridaya respectively. The present study was conducted to assess the clinical efficacy of LR and VC in the management of Sthoulya. Methodology:- An interventional, randomized, open-labelled clinical trial was conducted in 90 patients having classical symptoms of Sthoulya was divided in two group. The Group-A & Group B were orally administered with 6g of LR and 3g of VC twice a day after meals respectively for a period of 60 days. The assessment was done based on subjective parameters, i.e., Atikshudha (Excessive hunger), Daurgandhya (Unpleasant body odour), Swedadhikya (Excessive sweating), Daurbalya (Weakness), Gaurava (Heaviness of body), Alasya (Lethargy), Atinidra (Excessive sleep), Ayase Swasakastata (Breathing Difficulty during exertion) and objective parameters includes haematological and biochemical parameters. The results were statistically analysed by using Wilcoxon matched-pair signed ranks test, ‘t’ Test, Mann-Whitney tests. Result:- Analysis of overall effect of therapies on blood parameters shows a percentage relief of 12.22 and 13.69 in group A and group B respectively whereas in subjective parameters shows a percentage relief of 57.76 and 80.66 in Group A and Group B respectively. Statistically extremely significant relief was noted in subjective parameters of Group B after treatment when compared to Group A. Conclusion:- VC is considered as more effective in the management of Sthoulya when compared with LR.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Lauha Rasayan, Obesity, Sthoulya, Vidangadi Churna.