Article: A REVIEW ON MEDOROGA (OBESITY) MANAGEMENT THROUGH PANCHAKARMA: BRIDGING CLASSICAL AYURVEDIC PRINCIPLES WITH CONTEMPORARY METABOLIC SCIENCE

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.173123

Pages: 193-197

Author: Praveen BS *, Chitta Ranjan Das

Abstract: Background: Medoroga, is a chronic metabolic disorder arising from Agnimandya (impaired digestion and tissue metabolism), Ati-Santarpana (chronic over?nourishment), and Kapha predominance leading to pathological accumulation of Meda (adipose) tissue and Srotorodha (microchannel obstruction).Contemporary metabolic science describes obesity as a state of adipose dysfunction, chronic low?grade inflammation, mitochondrial inefficiency, and neuroendocrine dysregulation, closely mirroring the classical Ayurvedic framework. Objective: To analyze and synthesize evidence on Panchakarma therapies particularly Shodhana therapies like Virechana and Basti Karma as systems?level metabolic interventions in obesity, integrating classical Ayurvedic concepts with modern metabolic biology. Methods: A narrative review of peer?reviewed studies (2011–2025) on Panchakarma in obesity and metabolic syndrome was conducted, focusing especially on various clinical trials, experimental models, and mechanistic analyses. Classical texts and review articles on Ayurvedic obesity concepts were also included. Results: Clinical and experimental studies show that Virechana Karma and Basti Karma yield better relief by reducing body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and ectopic fat, Improvement in fasting glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and HDL?C, along with attenuation of insulin resistance, Modulation of inflammatory markers (TNF?α, IL?6, IFN?γ, hs?CRP) and oxidative stress parameters. Metabolomic studies performed following a 6?day Panchakarma?based retreat report altered phospholipid, sphingomyelin, and polyunsaturated fatty acid profiles, suggesting a shift in systemic metabotype involving AMPK? and PPAR?γ?related pathways. Mechanistically, Panchakarma appears to act as a multi?target system influencing AMPK activation, adipokine balance (leptin, adiponectin), inflammation, oxidative stress, and likely gut?microbiome and barrier function. Conclusion: Panchakarma offers a promising, mechanism rich integrative approach to Medoroga management. Larger, omics?integrated randomized controlled trials are needed to establish standardized protocols and long?term efficacy within mainstream obesity care. This will enable a platform for integrative approach in management of obesity effectively.

Keyword: Medoroga, obesity, Panchakarma, Virechana, Basti, Ayurveda, AMPK, adipokines, gut microbiome, metabolic inflammation