THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF AYURVEDIC DRUGS IN OBESITY MANAGEMENT: A REVIEW

Obesity is a global health concern associated with metabolic, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal disorders. In Ayurveda, obesity is described as Sthaulya or Medoroga, resulting from Kapha predominance, impaired Agni, and excess Meda Dhatu. Conventional pharmacotherapy for obesity often presents limitations such as adverse effects and poor long-term compliance, prompting interest in traditional systems of medicine. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach utilizing dietary regulation, lifestyle modification, detoxification therapies, and herbal drugs. This review aims to evaluate the role of selected Ayurvedic drugs—Guggul, Triphala, Vrikshamla, Punarnava, and Shilajit—in obesity management based on classical Ayurvedic texts and contemporary scientific evidence. The findings suggest that Ayurvedic drugs exert anti-obesity effects through modulation of lipid metabolism, appetite regulation, enhancement of digestion, and reduction of inflammation. Integration of Ayurvedic therapy with lifestyle modification may offer a safe and effective strategy for obesity management.