In-vitro and randomised pilot clinical study to analyse the impact of Vijayasara (Pterocarpus Marsupium Roxb.) and Vrikshamla (Garcinia Indica Choisy.) in Sthoulya (Obesity)

Abstract

Obesity, a major global health issue, is marked by abnormal fat accumulation and linked to conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome. It results from a chronic imbalance between calorie intake and expenditure, commonly caused by sedentary lifestyles, high-fat diets, and stress. In Ayurveda, obesity—known as Sthoulya—is considered a disorder stemming from an imbalance of Medo Dhatu, often associated with aggravated Kapha and Vata doshas. Factors such as improper diet (Ahara), lack of physical activity (Avyayama), and impaired digestive fire (Agnimandya) contribute to its development. The growing prevalence of obesity correlates strongly with increased risks of lifestyle-related diseases like hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. According to NFHS-5 (2019–21), overweight or obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m²) increased among Indian adults: men from 18.9% to 22.9% and women from 20.6% to 24.0%. (1) A 2021 Indian study showed an overall obesity prevalence of 40.3%, higher in urban populations (about 44%), and more common in women (41.9%) than men (38.7%). (2) This preliminary in-vitro and clinical pilot study explores the potential of Vijayasara (Pterocarpus Marsupium) and Vrikshamla (Garcinia Indica) in managing obesity. MTT assay results demonstrated that both extracts effectively reduced adipocyte activity without cellular toxicity. Twenty-four patients with Sthoulya were randomized into two groups: Group A received Vijayasara, and Group B received Vrikshamla for six weeks. Both groups showed improvements in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference, with Vrikshamla showing more pronounced benefits. The study suggests that Vrikshamla has stronger anti-lipogenic effects, indicating greater potential in obesity management.