Elements: TABLE OF CONTENTS

Vol 7(1), 2009

A Comparison of Western and Ayurvedic Approaches to Cholesterol

Josef M. Gutman and Amala Guha

University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT

Abstract: High cholesterol and other disorders of lipid metabolism have become increasingly common in the Western world. Despite new drug treatments, current medical therapy seems unable to stem the tide of individuals developing symptoms of the metabolic syndrome. This paper examines high cholesterol through both a Western and Ayurvedic lens, understanding the mechanisms of the disease from both perspectives. Treatment methods in three broad avenues: diet, exercise, and drug treatment are compared/contrasted between the two medical systems. Overall, the ancient system of Ayurveda, through its focus on prevention of disease in addition to treating disease that is manifested, serves as an excellent means for understanding and controlling the wave of chronic metabolic illnesses that is sweeping over the modern world.

Ayurvedic Management of Hypothyroidism with Herbal Formulations "Kaanchanaara

Guggulu" and "Pippali Vardhamaana Rasayana"

*Ajay Kumar Sharma ** Prakash Keswani * Rashmi Khanna

*Post Graduate Department of Kayachikitsa (Medicine), National Institute of Ayurveda,

Jaipur - Rajasthan, India, ** S.M.S. Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, India.

Abstract: Objective / Subjects: The study was conducted for clinical evaluation of Herbal Formulations of Kaanchanaara Guggulu and Pippali Vardhamaana Rasayana in the management of Hypothyroidism on various scientific parameters.

Settings / Location: Present clinical trial was undertaken at the Post Graduate Department of Kayachikitsa (Medicine), National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur - Rajasthan, India.

Design and Setting: The study was conducted on 45 clinically diagnosed and confirmed (by Thyroid Profile) patients of Hypothyroidism, according to our inclusion /exclusion criterion. Subjects were randomly divided into three groups (I - Control Group, II - Treated Group; III- Mixed Group) on the basis of herb/drug dosing and administration. During the course of therapy, restrictions regarding diet were advised to all patients of all three groups as indicated in Ayurvedic classics (Charak Samhita – Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan 7th edition, 1979 ; Bhaishajya Ratnavali 17th Edition, 2004 ). During the trial and follow-up studies all patients were assessed on various clinical parameters including Subjective (feeling of well being), Clinical (various symptoms of Hypothyroidism) and Laboratory Parameters and results were drawn accordingly.

Results: It was observed that there was highly significant improvement in most of the symptoms of Hypothyroidism after treatment

with Herbal Formulations Kaanchanaara Guggulu and Pippali Vardhamaana Rasayana. Significant reduction were observed in the

level of Serum Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (T.S.H.); the levels of Serum Triglycerides, Serum Low Density Lipoprotein (L.D.L.),

Serum Very Low Density Lipoprotein (V.L.D.L.) where as the level of Serum High Density Lipoprotein (H.D.L.) was increased

significantly after the course of the therapy.

Conclusion: Clinical and Laboratory studies on Kaanchanaara Guggulu and Pippali Vardhamaana Rasayana have revealed that

these two drugs have Thyrogenic as well as Cardioprotective Activities. On the basis of the results observed, it was concluded

that Kaanchanaara Guggulu and Pippali Vardhamaana Rasayana may be used as "Main Therapeutic Agents" in new and

uncomplicated cases of Hypothyroidism or as an "Adjuvant Therapy" in chronic and complicated cases of Hypothyroidism for

promotion and maintenance of positive health.