Krimighnadi Ghanavati with Honey versus Mustadi Ghanavati in Adults with Obesity (Sthaulya): A Randomised, Open-Label, Active-Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Purpose Krimighnadi Kashaya is a classical polyherbal formulation indicated for obesity (Sthaulya) whose clinical efficacy has not been tested in a randomised trial. This trial compared a standardised tablet form of it, given with honey, against Mustadi Ghanavati, an established classical comparator.
Methods In this single-centre, open-label, parallel-group randomised trial, adults aged 16–60 years with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² received Krimighnadi Ghanavati (Group A) or Mustadi Ghanavati (Group B), 1 g twice daily for 90 days, with common diet and activity advice, and were followed to day 120. Outcomes were body weight and BMI (primary), circumferences, abdominal skinfold, lipids, nine classical symptoms and safety indices.
Results Of 126 randomised participants, 102 (51 per group) completed the trial. Weight fell by 6.90 kg (8.0%) in Group A and 4.90 kg (6.0%) in Group B, and BMI by 3.64 and 2.61 kg/m² (both p < 0.001 within groups). Between-group differences in mean change favoured Group A but were not statistically significant for weight (2.0 kg, 95% CI −1.6 to 5.6) and borderline for BMI (1.03 kg/m², −0.00 to 2.06; p = 0.051); chest circumference differed significantly (3.5 cm, 0.8 to 6.2). All nine symptoms improved in both groups (p < 0.001); seven showed a significant advantage for Group A. Lipid fractions improved within Group A only. Marked improvement occurred in 35.3% versus 9.8% (p = 0.002). No adverse haematological, urinary or glycaemic change was recorded.
Conclusion Both formulations produced clinically meaningful (> 5%) weight loss over 90 days. Krimighnadi Ghanavati with honey gave greater symptomatic relief and a higher marked-response rate, but its advantage on weight was not established. A blinded, placebo-controlled trial is warranted.