During the past 20 years the problem of obesity (sthaulya in Ayurveda) among adults has risen significantly around the world. In Sri Lanka too obesity is a major health issue. A number of drug formulae are mentioned for the treatment of sthaulya in ancient Ayurvedic texts. The present study was designed to determine the efficacy of a herbal formula; Amrutadi Guggulu which is indicated as a treatment for obesity [1,2]. No scientific studies have been conducted on this drug so far. A study was done to explore the weight reducing property of this drug in obese subjects aged 20–60 years. The patients (n=90) who visited Ayurvedic Teaching Hospital, Colombo were selected randomly according to BMI (BMI >25) and divided in to 3 groups (overweight, obese, extremely obese). The tablet preparation of this drug was given to the patients (2g per day) for 6 months and they were followed up after one month. The body weight, anthropometric measurements were measured and lipid profile, liver enzymes were tested at the beginning and the end of the treatment. The results indicated that the treatment led to reductions in parameters associated with obesity. Highly significant reductions (P<0.001) were observed in body weight and anthropometric measurements. Statistically significant reduction was observed only in serum tryacylglycerols level. Levels of ALT/AST, Amrutadi Guggulu does not exert any undesirable effect on the liver. The results of this study demonstrate the drug, Amrutadi Guggulu can be used as value added standard herbal drug with safety and efficacy to reduce body weight in the management of obesity.
Acknowledgement: Patients who participated in the study and Ayurveda Teaching Hospital, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka.
References: [1] Sharma RK, Dash B (2002) Charaka Samhita, 1: 374, Chawkhambha Sanskrit series, varanasi. [2] Rajeshwaradatta S, (1961) Bhaisajja Ratnavali, p.505, Chawkhambha Sanskrit series, varanasi.
