A Clinical Evaluation of Kalpita Agnimanthadi Kashaya and its Comparative Study with Varunadi Kashaya and Navaka Guggulu in Sthaulya in the Purview of “Samtarpanotthanamapatarpanamausadham”

Abstract

Background: Sthaulya (~Obesity) is a prevalent lifestyle disorder in the modern era, significantly linked to unhealthy dietary habits, lack of physical activity, and stress. In Ayurveda, Sthaulya is classified under Samtarpanottha Vyadhi (~diseases caused by over-nourishment) and attributed to the imbalance of Kapha, Meda Dhatu (~fat tissue), and Agni (~digestive fire). Complications such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases are commonly associated with Sthaulya. The Ayurvedic principle “Samtarpanotthanam Apatarpanam Ausadham” advocates Apatarpana (~depletion therapy) for managing over-nourishment disorders. This study aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy of Kalpita Agnimanthadi Kashaya with Varunadi Kashaya and Navaka Guggulu in the management of obesity.

Method: A total of 30 subjects were randomly divided into two groups: Group A received Kalpita Agnimanthadi Kashaya, and Group B received Varunadi Kashaya with Navaka Guggulu. The clinical trial lasted for 60 days, with follow-up visits every 15 days. Parameters for evaluation included subjective symptoms (Javoparodha, Daurbalya etc.) and objective measures (body weight, BMI, waist-hip ratio). Biochemical investigations such as serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and HDL levels were recorded pre- and post-treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate tests.

Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in subjective and objective parameters. Group B demonstrated slightly better efficacy in reducing waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist-hip ratio, with statistically significant differences (p<0.05) in intergroup comparisons. Biochemical parameters such as serum cholesterol and LDL levels improved notably in both groups, with HDL levels showing a significant increase in Group B.

Conclusion: Both Kalpita Agnimanthadi Kashaya and Varunadi Kashaya with Navaka Guggulu were effective in managing obesity. The principle of Apatarpana (~depletion therapy), as proposed in Ayurveda, was validated by the significant reduction in clinical and biochemical parameters. Future studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to further establish these findings.