ROLE OF HERBOMINERAL DRUGS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF COMPLICATIONS OF STHAULYA- A CRITICAL REVIEW

Abstract

In Ayurvedic treatise Caraka Samhita Acharya Caraka has classified Atisthaulya under the eight most con-demnable (Ashtanindita) conditions of the society and considered it under Santarpanotha Vikaras (diseases due to excessive nutrition). Further Acharya explains that if skinny and obese both persons who are equally equipped suffer from a particular disease then that disease afflicts the obese person more severely than the skinny. Cakrapani, explaining it says that in the obese saturation further aggravates obesity while desaturation because of increased digestive fire is not tolerated by the patient, thus the condition becomes difficult to manage. In obese person fat is nourished more than the other Dhatus because it is extensively spread all over the body and takes all the nourishment overcoming other Dhatus causing Medas Sanchaya. Disproportionately increased Medas (fat/ adipose tissue) and Mamsa Dhatu (muscle tissue) causes obstruction of Medovaha Srotas due to which Aahara Rasa does not reach the other Dhatus and thus nourishes the Medas only resulting in Atisthaulya. As it is said that 'Vayordhatu Kshayat Kopo Margasya Aavaranena Ch' therefore due to Avaran of Medovaha strotas Vayu is excessively aggravated and as such stimulates Jatharagni causing quick digestion of consumed food and leaving the person yearning for more food. Ayurvedic classical texts describe a detailed treatment reg-imen for Sthaulya and its complications. In this regard Aushadh Dravyas which are Strotoshodhak heavy and desaturating should be given. This includes Lekhaniya, Medohara, Guru, Aptarpankaarak Dravya. Rasa Aushadhis like Makshik, Shilajatu, Loha Bhasma, Rasa Sindoor yield promising results in the treatment of Sthaulya. This article focuses on critically reviewing the role of herbomineral drugs mentioned in various Ayur-vedic classics which have remarkable effect in the treatment of obesity.