Abstract
Polyherbal Ayurvedic Powder Effectively Reduces Blood Sugar in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats
Department of Rasa Shastra, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, India
Correspondence Address:
Department of Rasa Shastra, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, India, E-mail: bhaswati@post.harvard.edu
The polyherbal formulation Madhumehantak churna was studied for its efficacy at two doses using the hyperglycemia animal model of low dose streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The low dose Madhumehantak churna group of 1080 mg/kg/day was extrapolated from the typical 4 g thrice daily human dose used in Ayurveda. The high dose Madhumehantak churna group was 3× the low dose, equivalent to 36 g daily in humans. These groups were compared to a negative control group (non-streptozotocin-induced, non-treated), a positive control group (streptozotocin-induced, oral hypoglycemic agent-treated) and a diabetic control group (streptozotocin-induced, non-treated). Rats were fed for 28 consecutive days and monitored for plasma blood glucose. Results showed that rats with severe plasma glucose (438 and 325 mg/dl) in both low-dose Madhumehantak churna and high-dose Madhumehantak churna group re-attained almost-normal plasma glucose levels (118 and 128 mg/dl) in 28 d, reaching similar levels as the positive control, gold-standard treated group (120 mg/dl). Madhumehantak churna presents itself as a viable option for reversing hyperglycemia, as shown in this in vivo animal experimental study, and as a potentially more practical option for patients than oral hypoglycemic agents.
