Ayurvedic Management of Metabolic Syndrome: A Case Report

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a multifactorial disorder characterized by insulin resistance, central obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia. In Ayurveda, it closely resembles Santarpaṇajanya Vikaras, including Sthaulya, Medoroga, Prameha, and Hṛdroga. This case report describes the Ayurvedic management of a 52-year-old female with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and dyslipidaemia who presented with generalized body ache, exertional dyspnoea, bilateral knee pain, and a 45 kg weight gain over 10 years following hysterectomy, compounded by unhealthy dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle. The patient underwent a 45-day Ayurvedic treatment protocol comprising Phalatrikadi Kvatha (40 mL twice daily), Triphala Guggulu (250 mg, three tablets thrice daily), Udvartana with Kolakulattadi Churna, Sarvanga Abhyanga with Triphala Taila followed by Bashpa Swedana, and Lekhana Basti for 15 days using Triphala Kwatha, Triphala Taila, Tila Taila, Gomutra Arka, and Ushakadi Gana Dravya, along with Pathya-Apathya. Following treatment, body weight decreased by 7 kg, with BMI reducing from 40.32 to 37.5 kg/m². Significant reductions were observed in waist, hip, chest, mid-arm, and mid-thigh circumferences, while improvements were noted in serum total cholesterol (237–163 mg/dL), triglycerides (184–150 mg/dL), LDL cholesterol (163.86–122 mg/dL), and fasting blood glucose (165–100 mg/dL). These improvements were sustained during follow-up. This case suggests that classical Ayurvedic interventions, particularly Lekhana Basti, Udvartana, and Shamana Chikitsa, may offer a safe, holistic, and sustainable approach for managing obesity and metabolic syndrome. This case highlights the potential of classical Ayurvedic therapies, including Lekhana Basti, Udvartana, and Shamana Chikitsa, as safe and holistic approaches for managing Sthaulya (obesity).