Role of Medodhatvagni in Obesity and Dyslipidemia – An Ayurvedic Clinical Evaluation

About Author

Correspondence Address

Nagpur

Contact No. : 9561784087, Email : suraj_rathod78@yahoo.com

Date of Acceptance : 25 Dec 2025

Date of Publication : 31 Dec 2025

Article ID : SD-IJAY_153

How to cite this article : http://doi.org/10.55552/SDNJAY.2025.3403

Abstract

Background: Obesity and dyslipidemia are major lifestyle-related metabolic disorders with an increasing global prevalence. Ayurveda describes obesity (Sthaulya/Medoroga) as a disorder primarily involving Medodhatu and its metabolic fire, Medodhatvagni. Impairment of Medodhatvagni leads to abnormal accumulation and qualitative derangement of Meda, which may be correlated with altered lipid metabolism.

Aim: To evaluate the role of Medodhatvagni in the pathogenesis of obesity and dyslipidemia and to assess the effect of Ayurvedic interventions aimed at improving Medodhatvagni on clinical and biochemical parameters.

Materials and Methods: A prospective, open-label clinical study was conducted on patients diagnosed with obesity and dyslipidemia. Assessment was carried out using Ayurvedic parameters of Medodhatvagni and modern parameters such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and lipid profile. Patients were treated with Medodhatvagni-deepana and Medohara Ayurvedic interventions for a defined period. Pre- and post-treatment data were statistically analyzed.

Results: Significant improvement was observed in subjective symptoms of Medodushti, along with statistically significant reductions in BMI, waist circumference, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL levels, as well as an improvement in HDL levels.

Conclusion: Medodhatvagni plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of obesity and dyslipidemia. Ayurvedic interventions targeting Medodhatvagni show promising results in the management of these metabolic disorders.

KEY WORDS:-  Medodhatvagni, Medoroga, Sthaulya, Obesity, Dyslipidemia, Ayurveda

Introduction

Obesity and dyslipidemia have emerged as significant global public health concerns and are recognized as major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome. In Ayurveda, obesity is described as Sthaulya or Medoroga, a Santarpanajanya Vyadhi characterized by excessive accumulation and qualitative derangement of Medodhatu.

Ayurvedic physiology places central importance on Agni in maintaining metabolic balance. Among the various forms of Agni, Medodhatvagni governs the formation, transformation, and metabolism of Medodhatu. Impairment of Medodhatvagni leads to Medodushti, resulting in abnormal fat deposition and disturbed lipid metabolism. This pathological process may be correlated with dyslipidemia as understood in modern medical science.

Although integrative and traditional approaches to obesity management are gaining attention, there remains a lack of systematic clinical studies evaluating the role of Medodhatvagni in obesity and dyslipidemia. The present study seeks to address this gap by assessing Medodhatvagni dysfunction and examining its clinical relevance in these metabolic disorders.

Review of Literature

Ayurvedic Perspective

Classical Ayurvedic treatises such as the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya describe Medoroga as a condition arising from excessive consumption of Guru, Snigdha, and Madhura Ahara, along with sedentary habits (Avyayama), daytime sleep (Divaswapna), and lack of physical activity. Acharya Charaka emphasizes that impairment of Medodhatvagni results in excessive production of Meda, leading to obstruction of bodily channels (Srotorodha), which in turn further hampers Agni function and perpetuates the disease process.

Modern Perspective

Dyslipidemia is defined by elevated levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and/or reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). It is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Excessive caloric intake coupled with reduced energy expenditure leads to disturbances in lipid metabolism, a phenomenon that can be conceptually compared to Medodhatvagni Vaishamya described in Ayurveda.

Discussion

The findings suggest that dysfunction of Medodhatvagni plays a central role in the development of obesity and dyslipidemia. Ayurvedic interventions help improve Medodhatvagni, reduce Ama, clear Srotorodha, and restore metabolic homeostasis. The observed biochemical improvements further support the Ayurvedic concept of Dhatvagni regulation.

Conclusion

Medodhatvagni is a key determinant in the pathogenesis of Medoroga and dyslipidemia. Targeting Medodhatvagni through Ayurvedic principles offers an effective and holistic approach to managing obesity and lipid disorders.

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