Immunological & metabolic responses to a therapeutic course of Basti in obesity

Abstract

Background & objectives:Basti (medicated enema) is a popular Ayurvedic intervention recommended for obesity. However, there are no data to show whether any physiological or biochemical changes occur following this treatment. This study was conducted to identify the immunological and metabolic changes in obese individuals after a therapeutic course of Basti.Methods:Thirty two obese individuals (18 and 60 yr) with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2 who received a therapeutic course of 16 enemas (Basti) followed by a specific diet and lifestyle regimen for a period of 32 days as their treatment for obesity, were enrolled in the study. Clinical examination, measurement of immune and metabolic markers were done before (S1), immediately after (S2) and 90 days after the completion of therapy (S3).Results:A significant reduction (P<0.001) in weight, BMI, upper arm and abdominal circumference was seen at S3, along with a decrease in serum interferon (IFN)-γ (P<0.02), interleukin (IL)-6 (P<0.02) and ferritin (P<0.05) and increase in IgM levels (P<0.02). Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) stimulated with anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies showed significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and calcium flux after Basti. All organ function tests revealed no changes.Interpretation & conclusions:Our study documents that a therapeutic course of Basti modulates immune responses by regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, immunoglobulins and functional properties of T-cells. These changes are associated with a reduction in the body weight which is maintained even after three months of treatment. The study also documents the safety of Basti procedure.

Public Health Approach of Ayurveda and Yoga for COVID-19 Prophylaxis

“…The interventions include therapeutic cleansing procedures (known as Panchakarma) 6 and certain immunomodulators 7 (known as Rasayana). Local 8 and systemic 9 interventions to boost the immune system have been advocated to manage respiratory illnesses. The choice of specific Ayurveda therapeutic agents and practices is based on certain individual genetic characteristics known as Dosha Prakriti types (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha).…”

Long-term disease free survival [DFS] of stage IIIB malignant melanoma patient treated post-surgery with herbal treatment modalities

“…A detail study on intervention with Panchakarma procedure -Basti-in obese individuals have documented that this procedure has modulated the immune response by regulating pro inflammatory cytokines, immunoglobulins and functional properties of T cells. These changes are associated with loss of weight, which is maintained even after 3 months after treatment [17]. Panchakarma treatment has been used in heart failure reversal in chronic heart failure patients with low ejection factor.…”

“…The herbs chosen for treatment were effective on various skin diseases and known to have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects [7][8][9][10][11][12]. He was also treated with a well-known Ayurvedic detoxifying treatment modality of Panchakarma [13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. The patient continued this treatment for last 20 years and is in fit physical condition without further appearance of the disease.…”

Traditional Medicine:A Review of Work in India (2012-2017)

“…In addition, the concept of Panchakarma was also explored and basti (enema) was shown in a clinical trial to produce significant weight reduction as also significant decrease in serum interferon (IFN)-Y and interleukin (IL6), and gradual reduction in IL8 level suggesting that basti reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines which are raised in obesity (Thatte et al, 2015). In another study, Rasasindura (made of mercury and sulphur) was shown to have the same structure as non-toxic HgS and toxic chemical forms of mercury were completely absent in the study sample and nano-crystal units of Rasasindura were free of organic molecules (Ramanan et al, 2015).…”