Integrative Perspectives on Lipoma: Traditional Therapeutics from Siddha, Ayurveda, and Unani with Biomedical Correlates

Year : 2026 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 01 | Page : 19 33
    By

    A. S. Maheshwari,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, University College of Engineering BIT Campus, Anna University, Tiruchirappall, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Background: Lipoma is the most common benign soft tissue tumor, with an incidence of approximately 2 per 1,000 individuals annually. Modern biomedicine attributes its pathogenesis to genetic abnormalities like HMGA2 rearrangements and dysregulated adipogenesis via PPARγ pathways. Effective pharmacological therapies are lacking. Traditional Indian systems – Siddha, Ayurveda, and Unani – offer unique perspectives and non‑surgical approaches yet remain underexplored in integrative research. Objective: To critically evaluate the descriptions, pathophysiological concepts, and therapeutic approaches to lipoma in Siddha, Ayurveda, and Unani systems, and to correlate these with contemporary biomedical insights. Methods: A qualitative literature review was conducted using classical Siddha, Ayurvedic, and Unani treatises along with indexed biomedical databases (PubMed, AYUSH Research Portal). A total of 411 relevant publications (1980–2024) were screened, of which 37 were included for thematic synthesis. Analogous conditions to lipoma were identified and their management principles extracted. Comparative analysis was performed with current biomedical literature on lipoma pathophysiology, including molecular and metabolic mechanisms. Findings: Ayurveda classifies lipoma as Medoja Granthi, caused by Kapha–Meda derangement, and managed through Lekhaniya herbs and Panchakarma. Siddha refers to Vali Iyyam Pinais, attributed to Vali–Iyyam imbalance, and treated with purgatives, metallic preparations, and medicated oils. Unani describes Waram‑e‑Shahmiya as a phlegmatic tumor, addressed through Ilaj bilTadbeer and Muhallil formulations. These align with biomedical features such as adipocyte proliferation, cytokine activity, and hypoxia signaling. Preliminary pharmacological studies support anti‑lipogenic and anti‑inflammatory effects of traditional formulations. Conclusion: Traditional systems provide comprehensive frameworks for understanding and managing lipoma, offering parallels with modern molecular mechanisms. Their integration with biomedical diagnostics may yield effective non‑surgical, individualized therapies. Further pharmacological validation and clinical trials are needed robustly to establish efficacy.

Keywords: Ayurveda, HMGA2, integrative medicine, lipoma, non‑invasive therapy, PPARγ, Siddha, Unani

[This article belongs to Research & Reviews : A Journal of Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy ]

How to cite this article:
A. S. Maheshwari. Integrative Perspectives on Lipoma: Traditional Therapeutics from Siddha, Ayurveda, and Unani with Biomedical Correlates. Research & Reviews : A Journal of Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2026; 13(01):19-33.
How to cite this URL:
A. S. Maheshwari. Integrative Perspectives on Lipoma: Traditional Therapeutics from Siddha, Ayurveda, and Unani with Biomedical Correlates. Research & Reviews : A Journal of Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2026; 13(01):19-33. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjoush/article=2026/view=238810


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 01
Received 30/11/2025
Accepted 01/02/2026
Published 02/02/2026
Publication Time 64 Days
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