Brief Article
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World J Transl Med. Dec 12, 2013; 2(3): 75-82
Published online Dec 12, 2013. doi: 10.5528/wjtm.v2.i3.75
“Diabegon”, a safe and effective polyherbal therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus
Sunil Mahajan, Nita Singh, Senthil K Subramanian, Pratibha Chauhan, Sonali Saxena, HM Goswamy, GBKS Prasad, Prakash S Bisen
Sunil Mahajan, Nita Singh, Senthil K Subramanian, Pratibha Chauhan, Sonali Saxena, HM Goswamy, GBKS Prasad, School of Studies in Biochemistry, Jiwaji University, Gwalior 474011, India
Prakash S Bisen, School of Studies in Biotechnology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior 474011, India
Author contributions: Mahajan S, Singh N and Chauhan P were involved in the experimental work; Subramanian SK and Saxena S were associated with the registration, follow up and collection of blood specimens, etc.; Goswamy HM contributed to supervision of the drugs administered; Prasad GBKS and Bisen PS were associated with the study design, execution and manuscript preparation.
Supported by AYUSH, New Delhi, India, No. F.NO. Z.31014/02/2009/EMR-CCARS; and M/S Deendayal Aushadhi Pvt. Ltd. Gwalior, India
Correspondence to: Prakash S Bisen, Professor, School of Studies in Biotechnology, Jiwaji University, Mahalgaon, Gwalior 474 011, India. psbisen@gmail.com
Telephone: +91-751-2462500 Fax: +91-751-4043850
Received: August 25, 2013
Revised: October 21, 2013
Accepted: November 20, 2013
Published online: December 12, 2013
Abstract

AIM: To investigate the antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant functions of a polyherbal formulation, “Diabegon”, in human subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS: A total of 33 human subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited for the study and all anthropological and biochemical parameters were recorded at the time of registration. The subjects were given hot water extract obtained from 10 gm of “Diabegon” powder, “Diabegon kwath”, on an empty stomach everyday in the morning under personal supervision for 6 mo. The therapeutic functions of the “Diabegon kwath” was assessed by monitoring the blood glucose levels at monthly intervals and glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid profile and biomarkers of oxidative stress, liver and kidney function markers at three monthly intervals in the study subjects.

RESULTS: Daily administration of hot water extract of “Diabegon” regularly for 6 mo resulted in significant reductions of blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels. There was also a significant increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels with concomitant decreases in total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and very low density lipoprotein. A significant improvement in glycosuria and proteinuria was also observed. Also, the subjects exhibited a significant improvement in enzymatic and nonenzymatic biochemical markers of oxidative stress. The kidney and liver functions remained normal and in fact improved in many subjects.

CONCLUSION: The study which is first of its kind, advocates “Diabegon kwath” as a safe and effective Ayurvedic therapy for the treatment of human type 2 diabetes mellitus and further placebo controlled trial may substantiate the therapeutic efficacy of the formulation.

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Diabegon kwath, Polyherbal formulation, Oxidative stress, Blood glucose, Lipids, Antiglycemic, Antihyperlipidemic, Antioxidant, antidiabetic therapies

Core tip: The study evaluated antiglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant functions of a polyherbal formulation designated “Diabegon kwath” in type 2 diabetic subjects with varying degrees of hyperglycemia and found that the formulation serves as an effective alternative to conventional antidiabetic therapies.