A Comparative Clinical Study of Triphaladi Taila Abhyanga and Triphala Choorna Udhvartana in the management of Sthaulya

Abstract

Obesity is considered as global epidemic which is increasing due to sedentary life styles and improved socio economic conditions. It has reached epidemic proportions in India in the 21st century with morbidity effecting 5% of the country’s population. If not treated it may lead to several complications like Diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart diseases, arthritis, infertility etc. and diminishes the efficiency and happiness of those affected. Obesity is a condition in which there is an excessive accumulation of fat in the body. This disease is a metabolic disease generally occurring in affluent societies. Acharya Charaka has classified Sthaulya as one among Astaninditas producing Daruna Vikaras and even deaths. Presently available treatment modalities do have their own limitations and adverse effects and not giving satisfactory results in the treatment of obesity. Hence present study was undertaken to explore the efficacy of Ayurvedic therapies and formulations like Triphaladi Taila having Medohara properties mentioned by Chakradatta and Triphala Choorna having Kaphahara properties mentioned by Sharangadhara. 30 patients of Staulya were randomly selected, allocated in two groups of 15 patients each. Group A were subjected to Triphala Choorna Udhvartana for 14 days and group B were subjected to Triphaladi Taila Abhyanga for 14 days. The patients were assessed with severity of symptoms subjectively and objectively before and after treatment. Data from each group were statistically analysed and compared. Both the groups showed marked results but Triphaladi Taila Abhyanga gave better results than Triphala Choorna Udhvartana in the management of Sthaulya.