Clinical Safety and Efficacy of Ayurveda Multi-Herbal Formulation in the Management of Obesity

Obesity is a medical condition characterized by the excessive accumulation of body fat, which adversely impacts health. It is primarily caused by a combination of overeating, physical inactivity, and genetic predisposition. In Ayurveda, obesity corresponds to conditions such as Sthaulya and Medoroga. Ayurvedic formulations like Vyoshadi Guggulu (VSG) and Vidanga Churna (VDC) are commonly prescribed for managing obesity despite limited scientific validation. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of VSG and VDC in individuals with obesity.

A prospective, open-label, multicenter clinical study was conducted at 2 peripheral centres of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS). A total of 100 obese patients who met the selection criteria were recruited from outpatient departments and administered VSG (1 gm thrice daily after meals with lukewarm water) and VDC (3 gm twice daily after meals) for 12 weeks. Participants were followed up for an additional 2 weeks without medication.

Statistically significant improvements were observed in key symptoms, including polyphagia, polydipsia, excessive sweating, excessive sleep, body fatigue, and dyspnea on exertion (DOE), which was initially reported by 36 participants but reduced markedly over the study period. While most participants had moderate physical activity capacity (Vyayama Shakti), some experienced exertional breathlessness, which improved with intervention. Significant reductions were also noted in BMI (P = 0.016), waist circumference (P = 0.043), and serum cholesterol levels (P = 0.002), with no adverse drug reactions reported.

This study demonstrates that the combination of VSG and VDC is effective and safe for managing obesity. Statistically significant improvements in anthropometric parameters and clinical symptoms highlight the potential of these Ayurvedic formulations as complementary therapies for obesity management.