A CLINICAL STUDY ON THE HYPOLIPIDEMIC EFFECT OF KUSHTHA (SAUSSUREA LAPPA, C.B. CLARKE) CHURNA IN MEDOROGA (OBESITY)

Background: Medoroga (obesity) is a metabolic condition characterized by excessive accumulation of Meda Dhatu (adipose tissue), leading to dyslipidemia. In Ayurvedic texts, it is described as a disorder involving Kapha and Meda, with Agnimandya (digestive dysfunction) as a key factor. Kushtha (Saussurea lappa C.B. Clarke) is included in Lekhaneeya Mahakashaya and is known for its Medohara and Agnivardhaka properties. Objectives: To evaluate the hypolipidemic and anti-obesity effect of Kushtha in patients of Medoroga. Methods: An open-label clinical study was conducted on 20 patients diagnosed with Medoroga. Kushtha Churna was administered for a specific duration. Pre- and post-treatment data were collected and statistically analyzed, focusing on lipid profile and anthropometric parameters such as BMI, body weight, and waist circumference. Results: Total cholesterol reduced by 13.23%, triglycerides by 18.33%, and LDL by 10.66%. HDL increased by 8.98%. All changes were statistically significant (p = 0.005). VLDL levels remained largely unchanged. Anthropometric measures showed significant improvement: BMI reduced by 4.84%, body weight by 4.62%, and waist circumference by 4.24% (p < 0.001). No significant changes were noted in blood pressure. Conclusion: Kushtha (Saussurea lappa) demonstrated significant hypolipidemic and anti-obesity activity. It can be considered a safe and effective single-drug intervention for managing Medoroga, showing improvement in lipid metabolism and anthropometric indices.