Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

November 29, 2025

Natural Ayurvedic Option for Cholesterol Control

Abstract

High cholesterol is among the most common conditions and a major contributing factor to various lifestyle disorders, characterized by abnormally elevated levels of certain lipids in the blood. Cholesterol is a type of fatty substance produced by the liver and is essential for various bodily functions, including the synthesis of hormones, bile acids, and vitamin D. However, when the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) rises beyond normal limits, it increases the risk of developing diabetes, serious heart diseases and other complications. Over the past two decades there has been a growing concern on screening for high cholesterol and implementing measures to lower cholesterol levels, aiming to reduce the risk of heart disease. Now, let’s see what we can do to manage it in the most safest way.

High cholesterol

Introduction

High cholesterol or also known as Hypercholesterolemia is mainly due to inadequate diet, lack of exercise, obesity, stress and some underlying diseases like type II diabetes. Although it is asymptomatic in early stages, it may cause hazardous effects in the long term like atherosclerosis which will further affect the related organ. In such conditions statins are used.  There are various statins used like Lovastatin, Simvastatin, Atorvastatin, Fluvastatin, Rosuvastatin, etc.
Atorvastatin is the most popular and potent statin. It has a plasma half life of 18 – 20 hours which is much longer than other statins. It also helps in reduction of raised Triglycerides. It is available in the market under the brand name Lipitor. Another statin is Simvastatin which is also very efficacious and has better oral absorption. Its plasma half life is 2-3 hours. Unlike other statins it significantly raises the low HDL levels. It is available under the brand name Zocor.

MODE OF ACTION

  • Statins competitively inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting HMG-CoA to mevalonate which is a precursor of cholesterol.
  • Due to inhibition, intracellular cholesterol levels in hepatocytes decrease.
  • The resulting drop in intracellular cholesterol levels signals the liver cells to increase the number of LDL receptors on their surface.
  • These extra receptors capture and remove more LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, lowering the concentration of LDL that is the bad cholesterol in the blood.

Indications

  • Hypercholesterolemia
  • Secondary Prevention of CVD
  • Primary Prevention of CVD
  • Mixed Dyslipidemia
  • Hypertriglyceridemia

 Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity
  • Active liver disease
  • Pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding
  • Severe renal impairment

 

Adverse effects

  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dyspepsia
  • Acute renal injury
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Myalgia

Though statins are frequently recommended in high cholesterol, it has its own limitations and side effects. Given the various side effects associated with these drugs, there has been a growing interest in natural approaches such as herbal medicines, lifestyle modifications, and dietary interventions to manage cholesterol levels. Among these, Ayurvedic medicine stands out as one of the world’s oldest healthcare systems. This 5,000 years old Indian tradition emphasizes treatment based on the fundamental laws of nature. As per ayurveda, high cholesterol is correlated with Meda Roga (fat disorders) which is a type of  Santarpana vyadhi (diseases due to over nourishment ) and is controlled by drugs that are opposite in action. Some of those drugs are as follows:

   Guggulu

  • Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) is a widely used drug in ayurveda. It has Tikta (Bitter taste) and Katu rasa (Pungent taste), ushna virya (hot potency) and has lekhana (scrapping) and medohara (fat reducing) properties.
  • Its active compound Guggulsterones increases bile acid synthesis, facilitating excretion of cholesterol from the body and its antioxidant properties prevent lipid peroxidation, reducing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

    Garlic

  • Lashuna (Garlic, Allium sativum) is a prominent herb in Ayurveda, noted for its hypolipidemic properties.
  • It possesses Ushna (hot) and Tikshna (sharp) qualities, which help in controlling kapha and reducing excess Meda Dhatu. The principal active compound, allicin inhibits cholesterol biosynthesis and protects against lipid peroxidation. It significantly lowers LDL and VLDL cholesterol levels while increasing HDL cholesterol thus supporting its use in the management of hyperlipidemia.

    Arjuna

  • Arjuna or Terminalia arjuna is an ancient Ayurvedic herb traditionally used to support heart health and has shown potential in helping to manage high cholesterol.
  • It has Tikta and Kashaya rasa ( bitter and pungent taste ) and has ushana virya (hot potency). Its active compounds include triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, tannins, etc. inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the key enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis thus reducing LDL (bad cholesterol) and total cholesterol.

    Pushkarmool

  • Pushkarmool or Inula racemosa is used for cardiovascular health. It is recognized in Ayurveda as a potent herb with vasodilatory and cardioprotective properties.
  • Its principal active compounds include alantolactone, isoalantolactone, flavonoids, etc. It protects vascular endothelium from oxidative stress, which is crucial in atherosclerosis prevention. Flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones in pushkarmool can help reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while maintaining or enhancing HDL levels.

    Turmeric

  • Turmeric or Curcuma longa is known for its cardioprotective properties. Its bioactive compound curcumin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, and anti-thrombotic effects making it beneficial in managing and preventing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
  • It enhances nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability thus promoting vasodilation and reducing blood pressure. Its Lekhana (scraping) and Kaphahara (pacifying kapha) properties help dissolve lipid deposits (Medo Dhatu Dushti) and prevent Srotorodha (channel obstruction).

    Fenugreek

  • Fenugreek or Trigonella foenum-graecum helps to reduce blood cholesterol levels. It helps to manage high cholesterol by lowering total and LDL and triglycerides due to its high soluble fiber content. High fiber content binds to cholesterol in the digestive system and removes it from the body.
  • Its saponin rich extracts reduce blood cholesterol levels as it inhibits its absorption in intestines. The fibrous fraction of seeds also helps in reduction of blood lipids.

    Ginger

  • Ginger or Zingiber officinale pacifies Kapha and Vata doshas, which are responsible for obstruction of channels (Srotorodha) and metabolic sluggishness that can lead to fat accumulation and cholesterol elevation.
  • Ginger can inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, a key enzyme in endogenous cholesterol production, similar to how statins work.
  • Its rhizome has hypocholesterolemic action thus is specifically used in high cholesterol.

     Triphala

  • Triphala is a polyherbal ayurvedic formulation of Amalaki (Emblica officinale), Bibhitaki (Terminalia Bellerica), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and possesses hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties.
  • It reduces oxidative stress, supports liver function, and improves lipid metabolism by inhibiting hepatic HMG-CoA reductase, a mechanism that is comparable to statins.
  • It reduces excess meda (fat tissue) and acts as a natural cholesterol scavenger, decreasing LDL and triglycerides through its Lekhana (scraping) and Kaphahara (reducing kapha) properties.

Planet Ayurveda’s Remedies For High Cholesterol

Planet Ayurveda offers a wide range of herbal formulations and wellness packs rooted in classical Ayurvedic principles, manufactured using standardized extracts, vegetarian capsules, and chemical-free ingredients. Their products target various conditions globally and emphasize purity, quality-control and natural wellness. Planet Ayurveda offers natural remedies for high cholesterol, focusing on detoxification and fat metabolism. Some of the products that are highly beneficial in high cholesterol are:-

Arjuna Tea

Planet Ayurveda’s Arjun Tea is a caffeine-free herbal blend crafted to support heart health and overall well-being. It is prepared using Arjuna ( Terminalia arjuna), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), etc. It is a natural source of Coenzyme Q10 which supports heart health. It contains tannins, flavonoids, glycosides which helps to strengthen cardiac muscles, improves myocardial contractility, and protects heart tissue from oxidative damage. It supports metabolism of cholesterol and triglycerides.

Directions to use : Put 1 cup of water and 1 cup of milk or 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Add 1 tablespoonful of Arjun tea (approx. 5 gm). Gently bring the tea to a boil and continue to simmer until ½ remains (approx 1 cup). Strain and enjoy the natural delicious taste of Arjun Tea.

Gugullipid capsules

Gugullipid capsules are herbal capsules formulated by Planet Ayurveda using the standardised extract of resin of Guggulu (Commiphora mukul). It contains active components like guggulsterones, lignans, terpenes, etc which increase conversion of cholesterol to bile acids and enhance bile acid excretion, resulting in reduction of total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, while maintaining or raising HDL levels. It has lekhana (scrapping), medohara (anti- obesity), kapha-vata shamaka (vata and kapha pacifying) properties which helps in lipid metabolism.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice a day with plain water after meals.

Herbal Remedies Of Arjun Tea By Planet Ayurveda


Conclusion

Atorvastatin, a synthetic HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, effectively reduces serum LDL cholesterol and triglycerides by suppressing hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis. However, long-term statin therapy is frequently associated with adverse effects, including myopathy, hepatic enzyme elevation and oxidative stress. Ayurveda conceptualizes hyperlipidemia as Medo Dhatu Dushti (vitiation of lipid metabolism) caused by impaired Agni (digestive fire) and Ama (metabolic toxins). The therapeutic goal in Ayurveda is to restore metabolic balance and channel purification through Lekhana (scraping) and Rasayana (rejuvenative) herbs. Agents such as Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), garlic (Allium sativum) exhibit proven hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant properties. Unlike statins, these botanicals modulate lipid metabolism, enhance liver function, and reduce oxidative stress without significant adverse effects. Thus, Ayurvedic therapy offers a holistic, sustainable and biologically safer alternative for long-term lipid management.

 

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November 27, 2025

AYURVEDIC ALTERNATIVE OF METFORMIN / GLUCOPHAGE

ABSTRACT

Diabetes is one of the most challenging lifestyle disorders in the present era. It is a condition where the body cannot properly control blood sugar, leading to high glucose levels in the blood. It can cause fatigue, excessive thirst, frequent urination, and long-term complications if not managed. Metformin is a commonly prescribed oral medicine for type 2 diabetes. It works by reducing sugar production in the liver and improving the body’s response to insulin. It is often the first choice for doctors worldwide in managing type 2 diabetes. Though it provides temporary control it often leads to various side effects. Ayurveda however offers a timeless, holistic, and side-effect-free solution. The goal of Ayurveda is not merely to lower glucose but to restore complete metabolic harmony (Dhatu Samya).

 

INTRODUCTION

Metformin is an anti diabetic drug that is commonly used for the management of diabetes. It is a biguanide drug that is a first choice medication in case of diabetes. It is commonly prescribed as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs. It is available as both immediate and extended release formulations. It does not stimulate pancreatic β cells. It also improves lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients. Its absorption mainly occurs in the intestine and the presence of food affects the rate of absorption. Glucophage:  It is the brand name for metformin. It is most commonly prescribed in type 2 diabetes. It is taken 2-3 times in a day. Other brand names are Fortamet, Glumetza, Metabet, Diagemet.

MODE OF ACTION

  • The mechanism involves activation of AMPK enzyme (Adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase).
  • It suppresses gluconeogenesis from the liver and prevents glucose output from the liver.
  • It enhances insulin mediated glucose uptake and disposal in skeletal muscle and fat.
  • Metformin reduces intestinal absorption of glucose.

INDICATION

  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Antipsychotic-induced weight gain (AIWG)
  • Gestational Hypertension
  • Oligomenorrhea due to PCOS

CONTRAINDICATION

  • Severe renal dysfunction
  • Hypersensitivity reactions
  • Hepatic impairment
  • Heart disorders
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis
  • Hypotension

ADVERSE EFFECTS

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Chest discomfort
  • Headache
  • Lactic acidosis
  • Abdominal pain
  • Malaise and weakness

In Ayurveda, Diabetes type 2 correlates with Madhumeha which is one of the 20 types of prameha. It is primarily a Vata-predominant metabolic disorder caused by derangement of Kapha and Meda (fat tissue) leading to Agnimandya (weak digestion) and improper Meda-Dhatu (fat body tissue) metabolism. Over time, this also results in Ojas Kshaya (depletion of vital essence). There are various drugs that are used in the management. Some of them are:

Gurmaar

  • Gurmaar or Gymnema slyvestre is known as Gurmaar which means sugar destroyer. Gymnemic acids in it block sugar absorption in the intestine and stimulate insulin secretion. It exhibits inhibitory effects on the levels of plasma glucose.
  • It temporarily suppresses the sweet taste sensation on the tongue and reduces sugar cravings.
  • Chewing its leaves daily is very beneficial for diabetic patients.

 Vijaysar

  • Pterocarpus marsupium or vijaysar is an Ayurvedic herb known for its anti-diabetic properties that help regulate blood sugar. It helps in managing diabetes (Madhumeha) by enhancing insulin sensitivity and reducing blood sugar levels. It increases cAMP content of the islets which helps in increasing insulin release and conversion of proinsulin to insulin.
  • बीजक: कुष्ठविसर्पश्वित्रमेहगुदकृमिन।।    (भावप्रकाश)

It means बीजक (Pterocarpus marsupium ) is used in diabetes (मेह).

  • Its heartwood decoction is very effective in Diabetes Type II. Drinking water kept in vijaysar bark wood glasses in the morning helps to keep blood sugar levels in control.

   Methika

  • Trigonella foenum-graecum or fenugreek is widely used in diabetes mellitus. An amino acid (4-hydroxyisoleucine) is found in fenugreek which contains the anti-diabetic properties.
  • It contains alkaloids like trigonelline, gentianine, carpaine and is rich in soluble fiber (galactomannan). It increases glucose uptake by peripheral tissues (muscle and fat), enhancing insulin receptor activity.
  • Taking its seeds or seed powder daily is beneficial in diabetes.

    Jambu

  • Syzygium cumini or jamun is widely used to manage diabetes. Its seeds are mostly used in hyperglycaemia and polyuria. It contains bioactive compounds like jamboline, jambosine, ellagic acid, and anthocyanins which helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
  • It has jamboline which slows down starch conversion into sugar in the intestines.
  • 300mg – 1gm powder of its dry seeds helps to stop the release of sugar in urine.

Karvellak

  • Momordica charantia or karela is also one of the most well known herbs used in diabetes. Its active constituents like charantin, polypeptide-p, vicine, and momordicin helps in stimulating insulin secretion, improving glucose uptake by cells, and inhibiting glucose production in the liver.
  • It is Kleda shoshaka (reduces excess fluid), Medohara (reduces fat) and Rakta prasadaka (improves blood quality).
  • Its fresh fruit juice is beneficial in diabetes and cooked fruit can also be used.

    Saptarangi

  • Salacia chinensis or saptarangi has active component Salacinol which is a unique thiosugar sulfonium compound that inhibits intestinal α-glucosidase enzyme thus reducing postprandial glucose absorption and the kotalanol helps to delay carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption.
  • It reduces the urine output and regulates blood sugar levels. Its root powder twice daily is effective to manage diabetes.

    Shilajit

  • Shilajit or Asphaltum punjabinum is a sticky blackish compound and is rich in many bio active compounds.
  • It helps to regulate blood sugar levels by enhancing the body’s response to insulin and the fulvic acid in it enhances mitochondrial function and this further increases glucose metabolism and thus benefits the diabetic person by promoting better energy balance and glucose management.
  • It is considered as Rasayana (Rejuvenator) in ayurveda and as diabetes often causes weakness and fatigue, Shilajit helps to restore energy.

    PLANET AYURVEDA’S PRODUCTS

    Planet Ayurveda is a reputed herbal manufacturing company that provides pure, natural and authentic Ayurvedic products formulated on the foundation of ancient wisdom and produced under modern quality standards. All the products are prepared in compliance with strict GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) guidelines. Products are formed under the supervision of MD doctors and following all the principles of ayurveda.

    Planet Ayurveda offers various formulations that have verified results in Diabetes and we will discuss some of the products:-
    Combo Pack

DIA-BETA PLUS

It is a capsule formulation of Planet Ayurveda. Its main ingredients are Gurmaar (Gymnema slyvestrae), Karela (Momordica charantia), Vijaysar (Pterocarpus marsupium), etc. which are known for their potent action in Prameha (Diabetes). It enhances the body’s ability to utilize glucose. It promotes pancreatic beta-cell regeneration, reduces blood sugar. It specifically acts on Medo dhatu (Fat body tissue) and Kapha dosha which are primarily involved in Prameha (Diabetes).

Dosage – 1-2 capsules twice a day with plain water ½ hour before meals.

DIAB SALACIA

It is another capsule formulation of Planet Ayurveda. Its ingredients are Saptarangi (Salacia chinensis) and Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum ). Its active constitution includes Salacinol, kotalanol which inhibits intestinal α-glucosidase enzymes. It enhances insulin sensitivity, regulates lipid metabolism, and protects pancreatic β-cells from oxidative stress.

Dosage – 1-2 capsules twice a day with plain water after meals.

DIABLEEN CAPSULES

It is also a capsule formulation of Planet Ayurveda which is very beneficial in Diabetes. It consists of Methika (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Gurmaar (Gymnema slyvestre), Jambu (Syzygium cumini), etc. Its active compounds like Trigonelline, gymnemic acid and ellagic acid are responsible for the anti-diabetic property. Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent) rasa (taste) and Ruksha (Dry), Laghu (light) properties reduce Kapha Dosha and Medo (fat) Dhatu (tissue) and normalize sugar metabolism.

Dosage – 1-2 capsules twice a day with plain water  after meals.

CONCLUSION

Metformin is a widely used modern medicine for type 2 diabetes, providing rapid and effective blood sugar control through reduction of hepatic glucose production and improved insulin sensitivity. However it primarily manages symptoms and may cause side effects like gastrointestinal upset and vitamin B12 deficiency. Ayurveda, on the other hand, approaches diabetes (Prameha) holistically, focusing on balancing Kapha Dosha and Medo (fat) Dhatu (tissue), enhancing Agni (metabolic fire), and improving overall metabolism. Herbal remedies like Gudmar (Gymnema sylvestre), Vijaysar (Pterocarpus marsupium), Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) support blood sugar regulation naturally. Ayurvedic management addresses root causes, promotes lifestyle changes, and has minimal side effects. Ayurveda offers a safe, natural, and holistic alternative while Metformin provides rapid symptomatic relief.

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