Effect of <i>Abhaya Ghana Vati</i> along with <i>Pathya Aaahara Vihara</i> (Diet and Lifestyle Regime) on Patients of Diabesity – A Single Arm Clinical Trial

Abstract

Introduction: Ayurveda beautifully amalgamates herbal drugs and lifestyle modifications in the management of various diseases and lifestyle disorders. Diabesity is one condition representing the two most prevalent chronic non-communicable diseases, i.e., Diabetes and Obesity According to Ayurveda, both conditions are referred to as Prameha and Sthoulya, respectively. Both the conditions are Santarpanottha Vyadhi (diseases arising from excessive and improper nutrition), having the common vitiation of Kapha Dosha, Meda Dhatu and Ama and similar lines of treatment. Haritaki or Abhaya (Terminalia chebula) is a herb that has the potential to manage both diabetes and obesity. The present study focuses on the efficacy of Abhaya Ghana Vati as a single drug regime coupled with Pathya Aahara Vihara (diet and lifestyle regime) in the management of diabesity. Methods: Abhaya Ghana Vati along with Pathya Aahara Vihara (diet and lifestyle regime), was administered in 41 patients for three months, including follow-up. The patients were assessed for the effect of the intervention on the subjective and objective criteria. Results: The intervention showed significant improvement in most of the parameters of outcome measures like BMI (27% improvement, p<0.001), Waist Hip Ratio (p<0.002), Abdominal Girth Circumference (p<0.001), Chest Girth circumference (p<0.001), Waist circumference (p<0.001). The Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) levels declined significantly from the mean (187.4 to 168.9, p<0.048), and PPBS reduced from the mean (260 to 230.4, p<0.011), which was statistically significant. However, HbA1c declined very marginally from the mean of 8.32 to 8.23 (p<0.71). Effect of treatment on subjective parameters like Apatarpana Lakshana, Dhatusamya Lakshana and Quality of Life parameters showed significant change. Conclusions: Administration of Abhaya Ghana Vati and Pathya Aahara Vihara are beneficial in patients of diabesity.