Metabolic syndrome is a disorder characterized by the combination of abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance. All these clinical squeals have been explained under Prameha/Madhumeha (diabetes mellitus), Hridroga (heart disease), Sthaulya/Medoroga (obesity) and in classical texts of Ayurveda. These are considered as Santarpanottha vikara (diseases due to over nutrition) and can be prevented by following proper diet.
Among the preventive measures given for various disorders, classical texts of Ayurveda, described all the vegetables under Shakavarga with their properties and indication in different disease conditions.
A comprehensive review of these vegetables shows that, following vegetables can be used as Pathya (wholesome diet) in prevention and management of metabolic disorders.
Sanskrit name | Botanical name | Hindi name |
Alabu | Ghiya | |
Chakramarda | Cassia tora Linn. | Chakavat, Chakavad |
Dronapushpi | Leucas cephalotes Spreng. | Chhota halkusa, Gopha |
Guduchi | Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers. | Giloy |
Kakamachi | Solanum nigrum Schrad. | Makoi |
Kantakari | Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad. | Choti kateri, Bhatakataiyya |
Karavellaka | Momordica charantia Linn. | Karela |
Karkotaki | Momordica dioica Roxb | Kantola |
Koshataki | Luffa acutangula (Linn.) Roxb. | Torai, Turai |
Kshiravidari | Ipomoea digitata Linn. | Vidari kand |
Lashuna | Allium sativum Linn. | Lahsun |
Loni | Portulaca oleracea Linn. | Lunia, Badi loni |
Mandukaparni | Centella asiatica (L.) Urban. | Bengsag, Brahmi |
Patola | Trichosanthes dioica Roxb. | Parval |
Varahi | Dioscorea bulbifera Linn. | Zimikand |
Vrintaka | Solanum melongena Linn. | Baingan |
Dr. Raghvendra Naik
(ayuraghu@gmail.com)