Indian researchers are once again making headlines and bringing pride to the nation on the global stage—this time through Gauhati University. Gauhati University herbal patent is a significant boost for both traditional medicine and modern scientific research. A team of four researchers has secured an Indian Patent for a novel herbal formulation designed to combat obesity and related complications. The patent was officially granted on August 20, 2025, and the patent filing was started in 2023. The team behind this innovation researches at the Government Ayurvedic College, Guwahati, working in collaboration with Gauhati University. To know more about the innovation and why this invention is important, keep reading.
How the Herbal Obesity Research at Gauhati University Started
The roots of this research go back several years at Gauhati University, where scientists were exploring how traditional medicinal plants could be used for modern therapeutic purposes. After extensive investigation, they selected Phyllanthus urinaria (Bhumyamalaki), valued in Ayurveda for treating liver disorders, urinary tract issues, jaundice, and kidney stones due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, and Adhatoda vasica (Vasaka), traditionally used for cough, asthma, and bronchitis because of its bronchodilator alkaloids vasicine and vasicinone. This research was conducted by four scholars—Dr. Naba Kumar Hazarika, Dr. Pranjan Barman, and other researchers. After years of dedicated work, they developed the herbal formulation, which has shown remarkable results in preclinical trials, significantly reducing body fat, lowering cholesterol levels, and aiding in obesity management.
Read Also: Delhi HC Trademark Dispute: How the Yatra Case Started
Benefits of Gauhati University’s Herbal Anti-Obesity Formulation
The patented polyherbal blend of Phyllanthus urinaria and Adhatoda vasica has demonstrated several promising health benefits in preclinical studies:
- Reduces body fat and prevents excess fat accumulation.
- Lowers triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, helping improve lipid profiles.
- Supports weight reduction and combats obesity-related complications.
- Shows potential in managing hyperlipidemia and insulin intolerance, both of which are major contributors to lifestyle diseases.
- These results underline the potential of the formulation as a natural, affordable, and effective alternative for managing obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Why This Gauhati University Herbal Patent Formulation Could Be a Game-Changer in Obesity Treatment
This herbal formulation is important because it enters the scene at a time when obesity management medicines are booming worldwide. Drugs like Ozempic (semaglutide) and Wegovy—originally developed for diabetes—have recently become global sensations for weight loss. Their rise has created a massive market, with billions in sales and growing demand across the U.S. and Europe.
However, these drugs come with high costs, limited accessibility in developing countries, and potential side effects like nausea, gastrointestinal issues, and, in rare cases, more serious risks. This is where the Gauhati University herbal formulation becomes significant: it is rooted in traditional medicine, made from readily available plants, and shows promising preclinical results for lowering fat, cholesterol, and obesity-related complications.
The herbal formulation is still in the early stages of clinical validation. So far, it has only demonstrated promising results in preclinical (animal) trials, where it helped reduce body fat and improve lipid levels. Human clinical trials are yet to be conducted, which will be crucial to confirm its safety, efficacy, and potential for real-world use before it can be considered for wider medical or commercial application.
Conclusion
The herbal anti-obesity formulation developed by Gauhati University researchers marks a significant step in blending traditional wisdom with modern science. While it has shown encouraging results in preclinical trials, its true impact will depend on the outcomes of upcoming human studies. If proven effective, it could provide a natural, affordable alternative to costly global drugs like Ozempic. Beyond its medical promise, the patent underscores the critical role of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in safeguarding indigenous knowledge, encouraging innovation, and ensuring that such breakthroughs bring recognition and benefits to the nation as well as to the scientific community.
Read Also: Operation Sindoor Trademark Denied: What the Government and MoD Said in Parliament