A CLINICAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF VIDANGADI CHURNA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF OBESITY. Dr. Marasinghe Pathiranage

Dr. Marasinghe Pathiranage Nadeeka Pramodani 1 and Dr. Wasantha Janaki Wickramarachchi 2 . 1. Lecturer, Department of Chikitsa, Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. 2. Senior Lecturer, Department of Chikitsa, Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. ...................................................................................................................... Manuscript Info Abstract ......................... ........................................................................ Manuscript History

Obesity is defined as a state of excess adipose tissue mass and person with Body Mass Index (BMI) >30 kg/m 2 . It is the cumbersome fettle of today's world as in every region of the world, obesity has doubled between 1980 and 2008, and today, half a Billion people (12% of the world's population) are considered as obese. This is indeed a careworn situation; Obesity provides the platform for so many hazards like Hypertension, Coronary Heart Diseases, Diabetes Mellitus, Infertility, Impotency as well as psychological disorders like, stress, anxiety. Hence in order to have best management of Obesity present research was carried out. The term Sthaulya is described in Ayurveda for obesity. Thirty obese patients were selected randomly and treated with Vidangadi churna mentioned in traditional treatments in Sri Lanka. Five grams of Vidangadi churna were given morning and evening for one month and three months follow up period. Patients were assessed under the objective criteria. The reduction of body weight, reduction observed in B.M.I, reduction in waist to hip ratio were highly significant (p<0.001). Mid arm circumference were clinically reduced but statistically not significant. The conclusion of the present study was Vidangadi churna proved to be efficacious in the disease obesity.

Criteria of diagnosis:-
The diagnosis was mainly based on the clinical presentation as mentioned in the Ayurveda texts as well as Allopathic texts along with body mass index (BMI). A detailed proforma incorporating all the clinical aspects mentioned for Sthaulya/obesity was prepared accordingly, detailed clinical history was taken and physical examination was done.
Inclusion criteria:-1. Patients having clinical presentation of Sthaulaya (obesity) with BMI equal or more than 25 and with the age of 20-50 years were included for the present study.
Exclusion criteria:-1. Patients in the age group of less than 20 years and more than 60 years were not included for the present study. 2. Obese patients suffering from hypothyroidism, obesity due to hormonal imbalance, cardiovascular diseases, hemiplegia, associated with severe hypertension and from other such diseases in which the patient cannot do his routine physical activities were excluded.

Pregnant and lactating women
The patients were treated with 5 g of Vidangadi churna.(were added to 120 ml of boiled water and remain for 10 minutes and filter ) morning and evening daily for one month and patients were followed for a period of one month after the treatment.

Assessment criteria:-
The effect of therapy was assessed on the basis of the following objective criteria.

Results:-
All 30 patients completed the study. No patient was dropped out or withdrawn due to the adverse event or an adverse reaction. Study treatment did not cause any significant change in vital signs like pulse rate, body temperature, respiratory rate, and the blood pressure. Of 30 patients included in the trial, 10 (33.33%) were men while 20 (66.67%) were women.
Patients included in the trial range from 20 years to 60 years of age. Patients from Age group 20-30 yrs (57%) and 31-40 yrs (23%) shows more prevalence.
Out of 30 patients of obesity 07 (23.33%) patients were vegetarian and 23 (76.67%) patients consuming mixed diet. Consumption of heavy, oily food is causative factor of obesity. Most of the patients were non vegetarian (i.e. Mixed diet) so this data can support the responsible diet factor of obesity.
Out of 60 patients of obesity, 07 (23.33%) Patients were found with Manda Agni, Vishama Agni was found in 08 (26.67%) patient. And there were 15 (50%) of Tikshna Agni. This can be concluded that due to Tikshna Agni patient eats more ultimately causing obesity.
Mean weight in the patients before the treatment was 73.32 ±11.02 and it decreased moderately to 73.01±10.95 after the treatment.
Mean BMI in patients before the treatment was 29.68 ± 2.34 which was decreased moderately to 28.99 ± 2.10.
Mean Mid Arm circumference in patients before the treatment was 34.46±2.57 which was decreased slightly to 34.35±2.76.
Mean Waist to Hip ratio in patients before the treatment was 0.87± 0.07 which was decreased moderately to 0.86 ± 0.07.
All parameters at before and after the treatment found are summarized in Table 01 to 03 Analyzing the results it was found that Experimental drug revealed statistically significant effect on patient's weight, BMI, Waist to Hip ratio. Mid Arm circumference also have been reduced from the treatment but it was not statistically significant.   Rukshana property helps to reduce fat in the body and Chedaneeya property helps to remove obstruction in the channels, particularly from channel related to fat by its sroto cleansing property. Also synergistic action of herbs helps to increase Bhutaagni and corrects the functions of Dhatvaagni and may correct the pathogenesis of Obesity.

Conclusion:-
It can be concluded that Vidangadi churna is effective in managing Obesity.