Role of <i>Lekhaniya</i> and <i>Vachadi gana</i> in Childhood Obesity - Critical Review

Abstract

Over the past few decades, obesity has become an increasingly prevalent issue around the world. Increased incidence of obesity in society is a result of poor food, exercise habits and a lack of awareness. Diet, exercise and behavioural modifications form the cornerstone of the therapy. Significant comorbidities have been associated with childhood obesity. The main Ayurvedic texts like Samhita and Nighantu along with modern texts are referred to collect information on relevant topics. This article is based on a review of various Ayurvedic principles and modern concepts related to Sthaulya vyadhi and obesity respectively. The description of Sthaulya vyadhi mentioned in Ayurveda classics is quite similar to obesity. Ayurveda management of Sthaulya (obesity) is different from contemporary science as it includes medovaha strotas chikitsa with dietary modification. Drug pharmacodynamics (Ayurveda rasa panchaka) and reported actions on Lekhaniya (Scrapping property) drugs to give an idea of the potential of Ayurveda to treat the disease efficiently. The potential of Ayurvedic drugs for treating obesity is underutilised and this could be a great alternative approach for creating future effective, reliable anti-obesity medications.