Abstract

LEKHANIYA MAHAKASAYA AN EFFECTIVE REMEDY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF STHAULYA (OBESITY) A CRITICAL REVIEW

Dr. Deshmukh Prashant Nareshrao*, Prof. Pawankumar Godatwar, Dr. Talekar Manisha Tatobaji and Dr. Amit Nakanekar

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The 21st century, with its constant altering in life styles, environment and dietary habits have made man the victim of many diseases; Sthaulya (Obesity) is one of them. Obesity has become a major health problem over the world, affecting people of all ages, sex, ethnicities, and races, and Incidence of obesity has doubled in past 30 years. At present in India about 30 million Indians are obese. Currently, pharmacologic agents available for obesity carry high costs and serious adverse effects. There is a need to create an evidence based awareness regarding the use of Āyurvedic medicines in the management of obesity. Aim: To review the properties and action of 10 Lekhanīya mahākaṣāya on Sthaulya (obesity). Material and Methods: A comprehensive chemical and pharmacological review of 10 Lekhanīya Dravya explained by Ācārya Caraka was performed to prove efficacy of those 10 drugs in treating Sthaulya (Obesity). Result: All the 10 drugs shows properties which are Medohara and ultimately decreases obesity.

Keywords: Obesity, Sthaulya, Lekhan?ya Dravya, Medohara.