Herbal wisdom in childhood obesity: a systematic review on the role of ayurvedic drugs and therapies

Himanshu Rawat; Megha Negi; Nisha Kumari Ojha

doi:10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20262426

Authors

Himanshu Rawat Department of Ayush and Ayush Education, Government of Uttarakhand, Dehradun, India
Megha Negi Department of Samhita and Sanskrit, Gangasheel Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
Nisha Kumari Ojha Department of Kaumarbhritya, National Institute of Ayurveda, Deemed to Be University (De Novo), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20262426

Keywords:

Childhood obesity, Ayurveda, Sthaulya, Meda Dhatu, Triphala

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a growing global health concern linked to metabolic disorders and future chronic diseases. Conventional management has limited long-term success, whereas Ayurveda offers a holistic approach through individualized diet, herbal formulations, Panchakarma therapies, and lifestyle modifications. The objective of this systematic review was to critically evaluate and synthesize the available evidence regarding the safety, efficacy, and effectiveness of Ayurvedic interventions in the management of childhood obesity. The study reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, and case studies on the management of childhood obesity in Ayurveda. They were retrieved through Ayurveda research databases and Medical Journal databases such as Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and other directories of open access journals. Hand searching was done using predefined search terms. The search was limited to articles published till July 2024. Study selection followed the symptomatology of childhood obesity. The data were documented and extracted using study ID and design, sample size, duration, interventions, outcomes, and result. Quantitative synthesis was not attempted as we aimed at only systematic review. Of the identified records, 16 studies met the inclusion criteria. Ayurvedic herbal formulations, Panchakarma therapies, dietary regulation, lifestyle modifications, and yoga were the most commonly evaluated interventions. Overall, these approaches improved body weight, BMI, waist circumference, lipid profile, digestive function, and overall well-being, with combined therapies demonstrating the most favourable clinical outcomes. Ayurvedic interventions show promise for childhood obesity; however, robust multicentre RCTs are needed to confirm effectiveness and safety.

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