E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Obesity

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2022 Volume 7 Number 1 Jan-Feb
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Critical review on Haritaki w.s.r. to Sthaulya (Obesity)

Patel S.1*, Jain T.2, Bansal C.3, Marwaha N.4
DOI:

1* Shilky Patel, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Swasthavritta, Pt. K.L.S. Govt. (Auto) Ayurveda College and Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

2 Trupti Jain, Assistant Professor, Department of Swasthavritta, Pt. K.L.S. Govt. (Auto) Ayurveda College and Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

3 Charu Bansal, Professor, Department of Swasthavritta, Pt. K.L.S. Govt. (Auto) Ayurveda College and Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

4 Nitin Marwaha, Professor & HOD, Department of Swasthavritta, Pt. K.L.S. Govt. (Auto) Ayurveda College and Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Obesity is a major risk factor for a number of chronic diseases, including Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease & Cancer etc. In 2013, the American Medical Association (AMA) declared Obesity a disease that requires a range of interventions to advance treatment & prevention. So, it is the need of the hour to develop better treatment protocol to treat & prevent the condition. Ayurveda has the potential in the prevention, management & improvement of the quality of life in obese patient. Haritaki having properties like Kaphaghna, Medoghna, Deepana, Pachana, Ruksha, Laghu Guna, Katu, Tikta Rasa and Ushna Veerya, it does the Sthaulya Samprapti Vighatana. Various studies also suggested that Haritaki possesses an antiobesity and hypolipidemic effects based on Kaphanashak and Medoghna properties and presence of its biologically active components like saponins, phytosterols, chebulinic acid and corilagin. Therefore, Haritaki can be useful as an adjuvant therapy for Obesity.

Keywords: Overweight, Obesity, BMI, Haritaki, Sthaulya

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Shilky Patel, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Swasthavritta, Pt. K.L.S. Govt. (Auto) Ayurveda College and Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Email: 		Shilky Patel, Trupti Jain, Charu Bansal, Nitin Marwaha, Critical review on Haritaki w.s.r. to Sthaulya (Obesity). J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2022;7(1):187-190.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/1656

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2022-01-22 2022-01-24 2022-01-31 2022-02-07 2022-02-14
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
Nil Nil Yes 16%

© 2022by Shilky Patel, Trupti Jain, Charu Bansal, Nitin Marwahaand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences 2022;7(1)187
Patel S. et al: Critical review on Haritaki w.s.r. to Sthaulya (Obesity)

Introduction

Haritaki is a marvelous Ayurvedic drug prized as “king of medicine” and used since ancient time for therapeutic purposes.

It has been widely used in the traditional Indian medicine system of Ayurveda because of its wide spectrum of pharmacological actions that contains biologically active chemicals.[1]

Obesity is a major risk factor for a number of chronic diseases, including Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease & Cancer etc. In 2013, the American Medical Association (AMA) declared Obesity a disease that requires a range of interventions to advance treatment & prevention.[2]

So, it is the need of the hour to develop better treatment protocol to treat & prevent the condition. Ayurveda has the potential in the prevention, management & improvement of the quality of life in obese patient.

Haritaki

हरीतकी पञ्चरसाऽलवणा तुवरा परम् |
रूक्षोष्णा दीपनी मेध्या स्वादुपाका रसायनी |
चक्षुष्या लघुरायुष्या बृंहणी चानुलोमिनी ||B.P.

Raw Haritaki

Latin name: Terminalia chebula Retz.

Family: Combretaceae

Synonyms: Abhaya, Pathya, Kayastha, Putana, Amruta, Haimavati, Avyatha, Chetaki, Shreyasi, Shiva, Vayastha, Vijaya , Jivanti, Rohini.[3]

Varieties: Vijaya, Rohini, Putana, Amrita, Abhaya, Jivanti, Chetaki.[4]

Properties[5]

Rasa (taste): Madhura, Amla, Tikta, Katu, Kashaya

Guna (property): Laghu, Ruksha

Veerya (potency): Ushna

Vipaka (digestive stage): Madhura

Doshaghnata : Tridoshashamak

Karma[6]

Vedanasthapana, Vrana shodhana Vranaropana, Dipana, Pachana, Krimmighna Kushthaghna, Medhya, Chakshushya, Brimhaniya, Anulomana, Rasayana.

Rogaghnata[7]

Useful in Shotha, Shoola, Arsha, Hridroga, Kasa, Shwasa, Udavarta, Vibandha, Visham Jwara, Ashmari, Kamla, Gulma, Udar Rog, Kushtha, Krimi, Swarbheda, Grahani, Aadhman etc.

Pharmacological activity[8]

Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity, Hypolipidemic and hypocholesterolemia activity, gastrointestinal motility improving, Purgative property and Immunomodulatory activity etc.

Research review of Haritaki


  1. Hypolipidemic activity[9]

High amount of saponins, phytosterols, chebulinic acid and corilagin present in Haritaki is responsible for the hypolipidemic effect.

  1. Anti-inflammatory activity[10]

Gallic acid derived from the extracts of several plants especially T. chebula was showed to exert anti-inflammatory activity via the downregulation of the NF-kB pathway in the development of inflammatory diseases.

  1. Anti-diabetic effect[11]

Terminalia chebula methanolic extract (TCE) containing 2.7% chebulic acid shows preventive effects against the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and endothelial cell dysfunction.

  1. Anti-bacterial activity[12]

Gallic acid and its ethyl ester isolated from ethanolic extract of Terminalia chebula shows antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It has also growth inhibitory action against Salmonella typhi and intestinal bacteria.

The extracts of Terminalia proves to be an effective anti-bacterial agent by forming the inhibitory zone against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, P. fluorescens, Bacillus bronchiseptica, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella epidermidis, B. cereus, B.pumilis, Shigella boydii and Escherichia coli.

  1. Antiviral activity[13]

Terminalia chebula fruits afforded four immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) integrate inhibitors, gallic acid and three galloy glucoses. Their galloyl moiety plays a major role for inhibition against the 3'-processing of HIV-1 integrase of the compounds.


Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences 2022;7(1)188
Patel S. et al: Critical review on Haritaki w.s.r. to Sthaulya (Obesity)
  1. Gastroprotective activity[14]

The gastroprotective and antisecretory mechanisms of chebulinic acid isolated from myrobalan  fruit exhibited through Chebulinic acid which significantly decreases free acidity, total acidity,  and upregulated mucin secretion, and inhibits H + K+- ATPase activity.

  1. Antioxidant activity[15]

Chebulinic acid has an antioxidant effect and exhibits free radical scavenging activity and ferric-reducing antioxidant activity.

Review on Sthaulya (Obesity)

Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to an extent that it may have a negative effect on health. A body mass index (BMI) over 25 is taken into account overweight, and over 30 is obese.[16]

The analysis of Ayurvedic classics reveals that Sthaulya is a Santarpanjanya Vikara. Consumption of Guru, Snigdha, Madhura Rasa Aahara along with lack of exercise and sedentary lifestyle results in excessive nourishment of Medas and derangement of Agni leads to Aama production which disturbs Medodhatwagni and block proper formation of other Dhatus. Thus improperly formed Medodhatu accumulates in the body leading to flabbiness of hips, abdomen and breast has been categorized as Atisthaulya  Roga.[17]

Since, Haritaki is having properties like Kaphaghna, Medoghna, Deepana, Pachana, Ruksha, Laghu Guna, Katu, Tikta Rasa and Ushna Veerya, it does the Sthaulya Samprapti Vighatana. Several researches also proved the positive effect of Haritaki on weight control, lipid control and glycemic control because of its biologically active component like saponins, phytosterols, chebulinic acid and corilagin. Hence addition of Harad in daily diet not only improves digestion but also plays a key role in reducing Obesity.

Review of Haritaki w.s.r. to Sthaulya

In Ayurvedic classics, Haritaki has described as follows:

  • Acharya Charaka has mentioned Haritaki as Pathya for Atisthaulya in Sutrasthana.
  • Acharya Sushruta said that Haritaki is useful in Santarpanjanya Roga.
  • Dhanvantari Nighantu described that Haritaki has Lekhan and Vatanuloman property and is useful in Santarpanjanya Rog.
  • Bhava Prakash, Yog Ratnakar, Bhaishajya Ratnavali and some other Nighantu mentioned Haritaki in so many Sthaulyanashak Yog.

Discussion

According to Ayurvedic classics Sthaulya is Vata Kapha predominant metabolic disorder. Excessive accumulation of Kapha and Meda with other factors eventually leads to Sthaulya. Haritaki on the basis of its pharmacological properties is useful in Obesity (Sthaulya).

The drug Haritaki possesses Katu, Tikta Rasa and cause Upashoshana of Kleda and Meda. Due to Teekshna, Laghu, Gunas, and Ushna Veerya, they help in clearing the Srotas, also acts on Kapha and Vayu to break the Sthaulya Samprapti. Katu, Tikta Rasa present in Haritaki and Shunthi improve Jatharagni and correct digestion and metabolism. High amount of saponins, phytosterols, chebulinic acid and corilagin present in Haritaki is responsible for the hypolipidemic effect.

Conclusion

Acharyas described Haritaki as Pathya for Sthaulya and also one of the important ingredients in several Sthaulyanashak Yog on the basis of its pharmacological properties. Due to chemical constituents specially saponins, phytosterols, chebulinic, corilagin and properties like Katu, Tikta Rasa and Ushna Veerya, Haritaki improves Jatharagni, correct digestion and metabolism. Hence addition of Haritaki in daily diet not only improves digestion but also plays a key role in reducing Obesity.

Reference

  1. Singh Rajani, Rath Sudipta Kumar. Review of Haritaki (tTrminalia Chebularetz.) as an ekal dravya chikitsa in Brihatrayee. Int J Ayu Pharm Res [Internet]. 2021Feb.9 [cited 2021 Jul.20];9(1):33-0. Available from: https://ijapr.in/index.php/ijapr/article/view/1762.
  2. Is Obesity a Disease or a Choice? 2018 July 05. [last cited 14 February 2019]. Available from: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/898921

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences 2022;7(1)189
Patel S. et al: Critical review on Haritaki w.s.r. to Sthaulya (Obesity)
  1. K.C, Bhavaprakasha nighantu of Bhavamishra.Varanasi:Choukhamba Bharati Academy. Reprint Edition 2020: P.3
  2. K.C, Bhavaprakasha nighantu of Bhavamishra. Varanasi:Choukhamba Bharati Academy. Reprint Edition 2020: P.3
  3. Sharma P.V., Dravyaguna Vijyana, Vol.- II, Varanasi:Chaukhambha Bharti Academy ; E 2006. P.753
  4. K.C, Bhavaprakasha nighantu of Bhavamishra. Varanasi:Choukhamba Bharati Academy. Reprint Edition 2020: P.5
  5. K.C, Bhavaprakasha nighantu of Bhavamishra. Varanasi:Choukhamba Bharati Academy. Reprint Edition 2020: P.13
  6. Meher Sudhanshu et.al. Pharmacological Profile of Terminalia chebula Retz. and Willd. (Haritaki) in Ayurveda with Evidences. RJPPD.2018; 10(3):115-124.
  7. Gupta A. et.al. Phytochemistry and Pharmacological activities of Haritaki – A review. J. Pharm. Res. 2010;3(2):417–424.
  8. Lee, S. Y. Lee, Y. Son, and J. Yun, “Gallic acid decreases inflammatory cytokine secretion through histone acetyltransferase/histone deacetylase regulation in high glucose-induced human monocytes,” Journal of Medicinal Food.2015 ;18(7):793–801.
  9. Upadhyay Aparna et.al. A Review on the Pharmacological Aspects of Terminalia chebula. IJP.2014; 10: 289-298.
  10. Upadhyay Aparna et.al. A Review on the Pharmacological Aspects of Terminalia chebula. IJP.2014; 10: 289-298.
  11. Ahn MJ et.al. Inhibition of HIV-1 integrase by galloyl glucoses from Terminalia chebula and flavonol glycoside gallates from Euphorbia pekinensis. Planta Med. 2002 May; 68 (5):457-9.
  12. Assie Jokar et.al. Potential therapeutic applications for Terminalia chebula in Iranian traditional medicine. JTCM.2016;36,(2): 250-254.
  13. Assie Jokar et.al. Potential therapeutic applications for Terminalia chebula in Iranian traditional medicine. JTCM.2016;36,(2): 250-254.
  1. Obesity & overweight. 2018 February16. [last cited 14 February 2019]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight.
  2. Shashtri Kashinath. Charak Samhita of Agnivesha.Sutra Sthana. Ch.21, Vers 4. Vol. 1. Vidhyotini Hindi Commentary.Varanasi: Chaukhambha BhartiAcademy; 2017. P. 409.

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences 2022;7(1)190