Abstract

MANAGEMENT OF HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA THROUGH AYURVEDIC TREATMENT: A CASE REPORT

Dr. Saurabh Joshi*

Abstract

Background: Dyslipidemia is a common metabolic abnormality associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Ayurveda does not describe hypercholesterolemia as an isolated pathological entity; however, its clinical and pathophysiological features may be understood in relation to Medoroga, Sthaulya and Santarpanajanya Vyadhi. The Ayurvedic understanding emphasizes the role of Agnimandya, Ama formation, Meda Dhatu Dushti and Medovaha Srotodushti. Case Presentation: A 44-year-old female patient presented to the Ayurvedic outpatient department with complaints of indigestion, generalized weakness, heaviness in the body and excessive daytime sleepiness. Laboratory investigations revealed elevated lipid parameters, including total cholesterol of 227 mg/dL and triglycerides of 179.5 mg/dL. Ayurvedic assessment suggested Agnimandya, Meda Dhatu Dushti, Medovaha Srotodushti and Ama Lakshanas. Intervention: The treatment approach was planned according to the Ayurvedic assessment, with emphasis on Agni Deepana, Ama Pachana, Meda Shamana and Anulomana. The treatment protocol included Chitrakadi Vati, Rasapachak Churna, Erandabhrishta Haritaki, Triphala Guggulu and Arjuna Ghanvati, along with appropriate dietary and lifestyle advice. Outcome: Following one month of treatment, the patient reported resolution of indigestion and excessive daytime sleepiness, with significant improvement in heaviness. Total cholesterol decreased from 227 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL, triglycerides from 179.5 mg/dL to 94.4 mg/dL, and VLDL cholesterol from 35.9 mg/dL to 18.88 mg/dL. HDL cholesterol changed from 37.6 mg/dL to 38.2 mg/dL. Conclusion: This case demonstrates improvement in clinical symptoms and lipid parameters following an individualized Ayurvedic management approach. The findings may support further systematic investigation of Ayurvedic interventions in dyslipidemia. However, conclusions regarding efficacy cannot be generalized from a single case report.

Keywords: Hypercholesterolemia, Dyslipidemia, Medoroga, Agnimandya, Ayurveda, Case Report.