Indian scientists’ quest to not only ensure effective treatment of diabetes but also keep the patient of the chronic disease healthier for longer is yielding results.
A study published in ‘Serbian Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research’ has found that Indian ayurvedic herb BGR-34 based on phyto-constitutents of medicinal plants can help lower the sugar level within 12 weeks as well as exert a powerful antioxidant action to prevent diabetic complications.
Led by researcher Ravinder Singh, the team had conducted Phase IV clinical trials for 12 weeks on 100 diabetic patients which were divided into two groups. Subjects from one of the Groups were given allopathic drug, Sitagliptin while the other group was given ayurveda drug, BGR-34, in the double blind study.
Researchers who investigated the drugs on various parameters which included HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin), RBS (random blood sugar), FBS (fasting blood sugar) and PPG (postprandial glucose) values, found that the ayurvedic drug showed promising results.
They investigated that HbA1c level in the diabetic patients, who were given BGR-34, went down significantly from the baseline value 8.499% to 8.061% in the fourth week, 6.56% in eighth week and 6.27% in 12th week.
Similarly, RBS test revealed that before taking the herbal drug, the sugar level on an average which was 250mg/dl declined to 114mg/dl in the 12th week at the same time, FBS sharply went down to 74 from 176 in the same duration.
“Based on these results, it can be simply concluded that BGR-34 is effective in reducing high blood sugar levels and is more potent and efficacious in decreasing the glycemic levels possibly by modulating the insulin release and strengthening the ß-cell functional capacity” the study disclosed.
Developed by the scientists from CSIR's labs—National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) and Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), BGR-34 is being manufactured and marketed by AIMIL Pharmaceuticals.
Dr. Sanchit Sharma, Executive Director of AIMIL Pharmaceuticals attributed BGR-34 efficacy to the presence of herbs like Vijyasar, Dharuharida, Gilo and, Manjistha besides phyto-constituents from a few other medicinal plants which are well-known for their anti-diabetic properties.
No doubt, the possible reason for better efficacy of BGR-34 could be due to its several nutritive phyto-constituents and antioxidants which protect ß-cells from damage, promote the repair and regenerate, said the researchers.
The results hold importance as the Modi Government has been calling for an integrated and holistic approach to fight Diabetes which is on rise due to sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits.
India is known as the Diabetes capital of the world with above 77 million adults suffering from the chronic disease. The number is expected to increase to 134 million by 2045.
