Evidence-based review of homoeopathic interventions for dyslipidemia in Indian scenario

Background: Dyslipidaemia has become a significant risk factor for metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular events. According to ICMR INDIAB STUDY-17, the prevalence of dyslipidemia in Indians is very high, with 82.9% of dyslipidemia and hypercholesterolaemia in 27.4%, decreased HDL-C levels in 68.1%, and increased triglycerides and LDL-C in 36.4% and 23.5%, respectively. It is a public health issue imposing a financial burden on the healthcare system, which calls for urgent solutions for both managing and preventing the condition. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive study of related literature published between 2000 and 2024 December, including review articles, epidemiology studies, clinical studies, and preclinical studies related to different components of dyslipidaemia treated with homeopathy, is carried out. Databases searched are National PubMed, Google Scholar, AYUSH Portal, CCRH, Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct. These were searched using the terms dyslipidaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, and hypertriglyceridemia, along with homoeopathy. Results: No systematic reviews have been done on management of dyslipidaemia with homoeopathy.12 articles on clinical studies comprising of 637 participants and 5 articles on preclinical studies are reviewed thoroughly. Studies related to homoeopathic mother tincture—Guatteria gaumeri, Chelidonium majus, Withania somniferous, and Fucus vesiculosus and individualized treatment—are included. All clinical studies have shown a significant decrease in plasma concentrations of lipids, and preclinical studies also demonstrate the hypolipidemic properties of homoeopathic preparations. Conclusion: The available clinical data is not enough to provide new and sufficient evidence. Preclinical data is insufficient to provide a sound basis for the application of homoeopathy in dyslipidemia. To overcome this, a well-designed study of RCT and larger sample size with an updated approach and risk assessment is warranted to be able to handle this rising burden of dyslipidaemia. Individualised medicine with the use of mother tincture can be explored more to combat this increasing burden of dyslipidemia.