Therapeutic outcomes of virechana karma in dyslipidaemia: a case series

Abstract

Dyslipidaemia is a major global health concern associated with cardiovascular disease, with prevalence ranging from 20% to over 80% depending on region, age, sex, and diagnostic criteria. It is strongly linked to sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy dietary habits. In Ayurveda, dyslipidaemia can be correlated with Medoroga characterized by abnormal accumulation of Medo Dhatu due to impaired Dhatvagni, predominantly involving Kapha and Pitta Dosha. The objective is to evaluate the therapeutic outcome of classical Virechana Karma on lipid profile parameters in patients with dyslipidaemia. Five clinically diagnosed cases aged 18–40 years with disease chronicity of approximately three years were selected after obtaining written informed consent. Classical Virechana Karma was administered followed by Samsarjana Krama. Serum lipid profile parameters were assessed before intervention and after completion of therapy. Post-therapy follow-up of six months included dietary regulation and lifestyle modification. Post-intervention assessment showed reduction in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL levels across all cases, with a modest increase in HDL. Intra-individual comparison demonstrated consistent improvement in lipid profile parameters following Virechana Karma. Associated clinical symptoms such as heaviness and lethargy showed reduction. Incidental borderline glycaemic parameters, including HbA1c, improved in select cases, and no adverse events were reported. This case series indicates an association between classical Virechana Karma and improvement in serum lipid profile parameters in dyslipidaemia; however, findings are limited by small sample size and lack of a control group, warranting further controlled studies.