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Introduction

Hyperlipidaemia is a critical risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which remain the leading cause of mortality globally. [1] According to the ICMR-INDIAB-17 (2024), hypertriglyceridemia affects 32.1% of Indians, while low HDL-C is seen in 66.9%. Despite pharmacological advances, the adverse effects of statins and fibrates necessitate alternative modalities. Ayurveda considers this condition under Medoroga, predominantly involving vitiation of Kapha Dosha and Meda Dhatu. Medovaha Srotodushti is the primary pathological substrate, resulting from improper dietary practices (Atisnigdha Ahara), sedentary lifestyle (Avyayama), psychological stress (Chinta), and daytime sleep (Diwaswapna). Management involves both Shodhana (bio-purification) and Shamana (pacification) therapies targeting Agni (digestive fire), Ama (metabolic toxins), and Dosha-Dhatu equilibrium.

Materials and Methods

Study Design

A single-subject interventional case study with pre- and post-treatment evaluation over 12 weeks.

Case Presentation: Patient Profile:

• Age/Sex: 62 years, Male
• Date of Presentation: 03/07/2024
• UHID No.: 292324

• Chief Complaints:
  • Bharavriddhi (Weight gain): 76 kg since 2 years
  • Angagaurava (Heaviness): 1(+) since 1.5 years
  • Daurbalya (Fatigue): 3(+++) since 1 year
  • Katishoola (Low back pain): 2(++) since 10 months
  • Swedadhikya (Excess sweating) with Dourgandhya (bad odour): 2(++), 1(+)
  • Ubhaya Padadaha (Burning sensation in feet): 1(+) since 4 months

 History:

• No major past illness
• Chronic alcohol intake with spicy diet
• Known case of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (6 years) on Metformin 500 mg BD

Nidana:

• Modern: Secondary hyperlipidaemia due to diabetes, alcohol, and obesity
• Ayurvedic: Atisnigdha, Madhura Ahara; Avyayama; Diwaswapna; Achinta; Beeja Swabhavaj

Ayurvedic Examination:

• Nadi: 76/min
• Mala: Prakrut
• Mutra: Prakrut
• Jivha: Saam
• Sparsha: Anushna-Sheeta
• Druk & Akruti: Prakrut, Madhyam

Dashavidha Pariksha:

• Prakruti: Kapha-Vata
• Vikruti: Medas
• Dushti: Sweda Dushti
• Sara, Samhanana, Pramana,
• Satmya: Madhyama
• Satva: Madhyama

Ahara/Vyayama Shakti: Madhyama

Mechanism of Action (Ayurvedic Rationale):

• Medohar Guggulu: Deepana, Pachana, Lekhana, Kleda-Meda Shoshaka
• Arogyavardhini Vati: Medohara, Raktashodhaka, hepatoprotective
• Lekhaniya Gana: Lekhana, Karshana, Medopachak, Deepana
• Narasimha Tablet: Tridoshagna, Rasayana, Srotoshodhaka
• Gandharva Haritaki: Anulomak, Rasayana, Amapachak

Discussion

This case affirms the Ayurvedic understanding of Medoroga where improper digestion (Mandagni) and metabolic blockage (Strotorodha) lead to lipid accumulation. Herbal formulations with Deepana, Pachana, Lekhana, and Medohara actions played a crucial role in clearing Ama, improving Agni, and reducing Meda Dhatu.

Interestingly, there was a marked reduction in serum uric acid as well, suggesting a broader metabolic correction. Compared to conventional lipid-lowering agents, Ayurvedic formulations had no observed side effects

Conclusion

This case study underscores the efficacy of Ayurvedic management in a clinically diagnosed case of hyperlipidemia, correlating the condition with Medoroga and Medovaha Srotodushti as described in Ayurvedic texts. The patient's condition—characterized by elevated lipid levels, systemic symptoms like fatigue, heaviness, and localized pain—showed significant improvement with a personalized, multi-modal Ayurvedic intervention.

The therapeutic regimen, which included Medohar Guggulu, Arogyavardhini Vati, Lekhaniya Gana Kashaya, Tab. Narasimha, and Gandharva Haritaki Churna, was carefully selected based on the patient’s Prakruti, Vikruti, and disease pathology. These formulations possess key pharmacological actions such as Deepana (appetite stimulation), Pachana (metabolism correction), Lekhana (scraping), Medohara (lipid-reducing), and Raktashodhaka (blood purification), effectively targeting the core imbalances of Kapha Dosha, Meda Dhatu, and Ama.

The treatment course yielded:

• A marked reduction in serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels over a 90-day period,
• Improved subjective symptoms like fatigue, heaviness, pain, and abnormal sweating,
• Notable normalization in uric acid and postprandial blood sugar, indicating broader metabolic benefits.

This suggests that Ayurvedic intervention not only addresses hyperlipidemia but also improves metabolic syndrome components holistically. The findings support the concept that Mandagni (weakened digestive fire) and improper lifestyle practices (Ahita Ahara and Vihara) are pivotal in the pathogenesis of Medoroga. Ayurvedic management, thus, serves both curative and preventive roles by restoring Agni, clearing Srotorodha (channel obstructions), and re-establishing systemic equilibrium. While the clinical results are promising, the study’s limitations—including its single-case design—highlight the need for larger-scale clinical trials and standardized protocols to validate these observations and support integration into mainstream care for dyslipidemia. In conclusion, this case reinforces the relevance of Ayurveda in modern lifestyle disorders and illustrates its potential to serve as a complementary or alternative strategy in managing hyperlipidemia, especially when personalized and administered under clinical supervision.