Efficacy of Medohar Arka in Sthaulya (Overweight) – A single blind placebo controlled clinical study

Abstract

In Ayurveda, Sthaulya is santarpanothha vyadhi caused by excessive accumulation of Meda resulting in pendulous appearance of Sphik, Udara and Stana. It can be correlated with overweight or obesity. Obesity is characterized by abnormal growth of adipose tissue due to enlargement of fat cell size or number which is expressed in BMI, 24.9 kg/m² to 29.9 kg/m² indicates overweight and >30 kg/m² indicates obesity. Studies have been conducted on medications like medohar guggulu, navaka guggulu but Medohar Arka was relatively unexplored. It is a low cost medicine described by Ras Tantra Saara and Siddha Prayoga Sangraha for sthaulya. Material and Methods-Study comprised of 66 participants between age group of 20-50 years, either sex, having B.M.I. between 25-30 kg/m². Group M was treated with Medohar Arka 15ml twice daily before food with equal amount of water whereas Group P was treated with Placebo 250 mg twice daily before food with equal amount water for 90 days. Pathyapathya and vyayama was advised to both groups in the form of Ahar (Diet) and Vihar(30 min brisk walk). Assessment was done on day 0 and day 90 (completion of treatment). Participants were assessed for objective parameters like Body Mass Index, Waist Hip Ratio(WHR) and Mid Arm circumference(MAC). On comparing both the groups, statistically significant improvement was observed in Body Mass Index, Waist Hip Ratio, Mid Arm circumference in Medohar arka group. Conclusion- Medohar Arka was effective in managing overweight. Further study could be conducted on obese patients for generalized use of this medicine.