Ayurvedic Management of Dyslipidemia: Concepts, Pathophysiology, and Treatment Strategies

Abstract

Dyslipidemia is a serious metabolic disorder and a significant risk factor for heart diseases. It involves problems in lipid metabolism, including high cholesterol and triglycerides, along with low levels of high-density lipoprotein. Ayurveda refers to dyslipidemia as Medoroga, a condition caused by excessive nourishment, a sedentary lifestyle, weak digestion, and an imbalance in Kapha Dosha, which leads to issues in fat tissue. This article aims to review Ayurvedic concepts, how the disorder develops, diagnostic methods, and treatment strategies for dyslipidemia in relation to modern medical understanding. Classical Ayurvedic texts explain the roles of Nidana, Samprapti, and the involvement of Dosha and Dhatu in Medoroga. These concepts resemble the mechanisms seen in modern lipid disorders. Ayurvedic diagnosis uses Daśavidha Parīkṣā and looks at signs of increased fat. In contrast, modern assessment relies on lipid profile measurements and evaluating cardiovascular risk. Treatment methods focus on Apatarpana Chikitsa, improving digestion and digestion of toxins, therapies to reduce fat, Panchakarma procedures, supportive medications, dietary guidelines, exercise, and rejuvenating therapy. These methods aim to fix metabolic issues, decrease excessive fat, and prevent complications. An integrative viewpoint shows that Ayurvedic treatments not only improve lipid levels but also help with related metabolic issues like obesity and diabetes, while maintaining good safety profiles. This review points out the potential of evidence-based Ayurvedic management as a complete and complementary strategy for dyslipidemia, which needs more clinical validation for broader use.