A REVIEW STUDY ON THE EFFICACY OF LEKHANIYA MAHAKASHAYA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF STHAULYA (OBESITY)

The 21st century, with its constant altering in life styles, environment, and dietary habits has made man the victim of many diseases; Sthaulya (Obesity) is one of them. Obesity has become a major health problem over the world, affecting people of all ages, sex, ethnicities, and races. The incidence of obesity has doubled in the past 30 years. At present in India about 30 million Indians are obese. Currently, medicines available for obesity carry high costs and serious adverse effects. There is a need to create evidence-based awareness regarding the use of Ayurvedic medicines in the management of obesity. Acharya Charaka has described Lekhaniya mahakashaya which helps in reducing excessive fat (Lekhan karma) due to its Ushna, Tikshna, and Ruksha Guna. So it is useful in obesity as well as Hyperlipidaemia. Lekhaniya mahakashaya significantly reduces Weight and BMI. Santarpana janya vikara as explained in Ayurvedic classics produces Medo-dushti, which is a root cause of many diseases. Administration of Lekhaniya mahakashaya which is Tikta-Katu in Rasa (Bitter taste), Ushna Veerya (Hot in potency), Laghu and Ruksha (light and dry qualities); Katu Vipaka and is thus Vata Kaphahara. These all properties are against Medo dhatu which helps to reduce fat in the body. Hence Lekhaniya mahakashaya can be effectively used in the management of obesity.