Childhood obesity is becoming a serious problem worldwide, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic when kids spent more time on screens and eating unhealthy foods. This study is testing whether two traditional Ayurvedic herbal medicines—Navak Guggulu and Vachaharidradi Gana Vati—can help overweight children lose weight when combined with healthy eating and exercise. Researchers will compare these two herbal treatments in children ages 10-16 over six months to see which one works better. The study aims to provide evidence that traditional medicine approaches, combined with lifestyle changes, might be an effective way to help children achieve healthier weights.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether two different herbal medicines from Ayurveda (an ancient Indian healing system) can help overweight children lose weight when combined with healthy eating and daily exercise.
- Who participated: The study will include children between 10 and 16 years old who are overweight. Researchers will split them into two equal groups, with one group receiving each herbal medicine.
- Key finding: This is a study plan (protocol), not yet completed research. The study started in April 2024 and should finish by May 2025. Results will show whether one herbal medicine works better than the other for helping kids lose weight.
- What it means for you: If the results are positive, this could offer parents a natural alternative approach to helping overweight children lose weight. However, these results will need to be confirmed by other studies before being widely recommended. Always talk to your doctor before giving children any new medicine or supplement.
The Research Details
This is a randomized controlled trial, which is considered one of the strongest types of scientific studies. Researchers will divide children into two groups randomly (like flipping a coin) to ensure fairness. One group will receive Navak Guggulu, a herbal-mineral medicine, while the other group receives Vachaharidradi Gana Vati, a group of herbs from ancient Ayurvedic texts. Both groups will also follow the same diet plan and perform Sun Salutation (a yoga exercise routine) daily. The study will last 180 days total, with check-ins every 15 days for the first 90 days, then a final check at day 180. This design helps researchers see if the herbal medicines actually cause weight loss or if other factors are responsible.
Using a randomized controlled trial design is important because it reduces bias and helps prove whether the herbal medicines truly work. By having both groups do the same diet and exercise, researchers can isolate the effect of the herbal medicine itself. The double-blind approach (where neither participants nor some researchers know which medicine each child receives) helps prevent expectations from influencing results.
This is a well-designed study protocol published in a reputable journal. However, since this is a protocol paper (the study plan), not yet completed research, we don’t have actual results yet. The study began in April 2024, so findings should be available by mid-2025. The use of multiple statistical analysis methods shows careful planning. One limitation is that the sample size isn’t specified in this protocol paper, which makes it hard to judge how many children will be studied.
What the Results Show
This paper describes the study plan rather than actual results. The researchers will measure success by tracking changes in children’s weight, body measurements, and metabolic markers (how well their bodies process food) over six months. They will compare how much weight each group loses and whether one herbal medicine works better than the other. The study will use statistical tests to determine if differences between groups are real or just due to chance. Results are expected by May 2025.
Beyond weight loss, researchers will likely examine whether the herbal medicines improve other health markers like blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol. They’ll also assess whether the combination of herbal medicine, diet changes, and exercise together creates better results than any single approach alone. The study may provide insights into how traditional Ayurvedic medicine works in modern medical practice.
Previous research suggests that Navak Guggulu has shown promise for weight loss in some studies. Vachaharidradi Gana is described in ancient Ayurvedic texts as having properties that reduce fat and increase metabolism. This study will be among the first to directly compare these two approaches in children using modern scientific methods. Most obesity treatments in children focus on diet and exercise alone, so adding herbal medicine represents a different approach worth testing.
Since this is a protocol paper, actual limitations from the completed study aren’t yet known. However, potential limitations include: the study only includes children ages 10-16, so results may not apply to younger or older people; results may be specific to the population studied and not apply to all children worldwide; the study doesn’t mention how long benefits last after treatment ends; and we don’t know if the herbal medicines might have side effects in some children.
The Bottom Line
Wait for the completed study results (expected by May 2025) before making decisions. This protocol shows promise for a new approach, but evidence isn’t yet available. If results are positive, discuss with your pediatrician whether these herbal medicines might be appropriate for your child. Always combine any treatment with healthy eating and regular exercise, as the study emphasizes this combination approach. Confidence level: Low (study not yet completed).
Parents of overweight children ages 10-16 should pay attention to these results when available. Children with specific health conditions, allergies to herbs, or taking other medications should consult their doctor before trying these remedies. This research may also interest doctors, nutritionists, and public health officials looking for new ways to address childhood obesity. People interested in traditional medicine and modern science working together should find this relevant.
The study runs for 180 days (about 6 months) per participant. Significant weight loss typically takes 8-12 weeks to become noticeable. The study includes follow-up measurements every 15 days to track progress. If you were to try this approach, realistic expectations would be gradual weight loss over several months, with the combination of herbal medicine, diet changes, and daily exercise working together.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily Sun Salutation completion (yes/no), weekly weight measurements, and weekly waist circumference measurements. Record any changes in energy levels, appetite, or how clothes fit as non-scale victories.
- Use the app to set daily reminders for Sun Salutation practice (suggest 10-15 minutes each morning), log meals to monitor diet restrictions, and receive weekly motivation messages. Create a progress chart showing weight trends over 15-day intervals to match the study’s assessment schedule.
- Establish a baseline measurement at day 0, then track every 15 days for 90 days, with a final measurement at day 180. Monitor not just weight but also how the child feels, energy levels, and ability to perform physical activities. Set realistic goals (1-2 pounds per week) and celebrate non-scale victories like increased strength or better sleep.
This article describes a research study protocol that has not yet been completed. No actual results are available yet. This information is educational only and should not replace professional medical advice. Before giving children any herbal medicines, supplements, or starting new exercise programs, consult with a pediatrician or qualified healthcare provider. Herbal medicines can interact with other medications and may not be appropriate for all children. The safety and effectiveness of these specific herbal treatments in children have not yet been established by this study. Results from this single study, when available, should be confirmed by additional research before widespread use.