Changes In Lipid Profile Among Patients With Dyslipidemia Associated With Gridhrasi Undergoinig Rukshana Based Ayurvedic Management – An Observational Pilot Study

Abstract

Background
Dyslipidemia is a major global health concern characterized by abnormal lipid levels in the blood, affecting both urban and rural populations. In Ayurveda, dyslipidemia can be correlated with excessive Santarpana (overnourishment), leading to Santarpanajanya Vikaras, particularly involving disturbances in Medo Dhatu (fat tissue). Rukshana (drying) therapies mentioned in Ayurveda can be indicated for such conditions.

Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of Rukshana based treatment protocols in the management of dyslipidemia associated with Gridhrasi by assessing changes in lipid profile parameters.

Methods:
An observational study was conducted from March to December 2024 at the Government Ayurveda College Hospital, Kannur. Twenty-five patients aged 30–64 years diagnosed with both dyslipidemia and Gridhrasi, undergoing Rukshana therapies were included in the study. Lipid profile parameters were assessed before and after treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and paired t-test.

Results:
The mean total cholesterol level significantly decreased from 236.80 mg/dL before treatment to 207.36 mg/dL after treatment, with a mean reduction of 29.44 mg/dL (p < 0.05). LDL levels showed statistically significant decrease after treatment, with the mean dropping from 156.64 to 133.32 mg/dL. Triglyceride levels showed a slight decrease after treatment, with the mean dropping from 191.12 to 181.08 mg/dL.

Conclusion:
Rukshana therapies demonstrated significant improvement in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels among patients with dyslipidemia. These findings suggest a possible association between Rukshana based Ayurvedic management and improvements in the selected lipid parameters control studies are required to establish the efficacy.