Therapeutic Impact of Panchakarma Procedures in the Management of Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Clinical Investigation

Abstract

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a family of interrelated metabolic diseases comprising of central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, which predisposes a person severely to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes type 2 mellitus. The use of traditional systems of medicine especially Ayurveda in management of such chronic lifestyle disorders has taken attraction within recent years. Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic principle that underlies therapeutics and is very focused on cleansing and replenishing the balance within the body. This paper will critically assess the therapeutic effects of Panchakarma treatments on the treatment of Metabolic Syndrome. It was a clinical trial used on patients diagnosed with MetS and the classical Panchakarma treatments including Vamana, Virechana, Basti and Udvartana were used based on their constitutive (Prakriti) and pathological conditions. The clinical parameters used in the assessment of the outcomes were body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose, lipid profile and blood pressure. These results indicate that the Panchakarma treatments have an important effect on the metabolic parameters and general health, which proves their potential as a complementary and holistic remedy in the provision of Metabolic Syndrome.