Reinterpreting Santarpanottha Vyadhi in the Era of Metabolic Syndrome:
Abstract
Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a global public health challenge
characterized by central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Ayurveda
describes a group of disorders arising from over-nutrition and sedentary lifestyle under
Santarpanottha Vyadhi. Classical descriptions of Medoroga, Prameha, Sthaulya, and Hridroga
demonstrate striking conceptual parallels with MetS.
Objective: To critically reinterpret Santarpanottha Vyadhi in the context of metabolic syndrome
by synthesizing classical Ayurvedic literature with contemporary biomedical evidence.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Databases
searched included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and AYUSH Research
Portal up to December 2025. Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita,
Ashtanga Hridaya, and commentaries) were reviewed to extract
onceptual frameworks. Eligible experimental, clinical, and observational studies addressing
metabolic disorders from Ayurvedic or integrative perspectives were included.
Results: Out of 78 identified records, 52 studies met inclusion criteria. Classical texts describe
Santarpana, Agnimandya, Medodushti, Ama formation, and Srotorodha as core pathological
mechanisms—closely aligning with insulin resistance, chronic low-grade inflammation, adipokine
dysregulation, and endothelial dysfunction described in MetS. Clinical studies indicate that
Ayurvedic interventions targeting Langhana, Rukshana, Shodhana, and Medohara strategies
improve metabolic parameters.
Conclusion: Santarpanottha Vyadhi offers a comprehensive, systems-based explanatory model for
metabolic syndrome. Integrating Ayurvedic pathophysiology with modern metabolic science can
enhance preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Keywords
Santarpanottha Vyadhi; Metabolic Syndrome; Medoroga; Ayurveda; Insulin Resistance; Over-nutrition