The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), under the Science and Technology Ministry, will soon conduct a study to evaluate the health impact of BGR-34, the country’s first scientifically validated anti-diabetic ayurvedic drug designed for Type-2 diabetes mellitus.
Formally launched by Vice-President Hamid Ansari two years ago, the herbal pill, which is a combination of natural extracts from plants, based on Ayurveda with no side effects, is available in the market since October last.
Priced Rs 5 per tablet, presently BGR-34 is being commercially produced and marketed by the Delhi-based AIMIl Pharmaceuticals in major cities across the country.
“It’s already around eight months since the herbal drug was launched commercially. Preliminary reports have been positive, indicating that atleast 75 per cent of the total consumers have said to get benefits. However, we will soon conduct post marketing trial to know how much has been the drug useful to the diabetic patients, “ CSIR DG Girish Sahini told The Pioneer recently.
We will also see if the drug price is affordable to the patients, he added.
The herbal has been jointly developed by the Central Institute for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) and National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), both premier research institutions of CSIR and located in lucknow.
The BGR-34 has an edge over other herbal anti-diabetes drugs as it is the only one which is scientifically validated by the repute institute to the likes of the CSIR.
The drug is said to have ingredients from six herbs described in Ayurveda which makes it safe to the diabetic patients whose number is estimated to be six crore in the country. The number is on increase in view of unhealthy and sedentary lifestyle making India a ‘Diabetes capital’ of the world.
“Scientists of NBRI and CIMAP made an in-depth study of over 500 renowned ancient herbs and finally identified the six best herbs listed in ayurvedic ancient texts to be combined in different fractions and quantities and processed meticulously to develop this new drug,” according to senior principal scientist of NBRI, Dr AKS Rawat.
He said that the drug has been examined on animals and scientific study has identified it safe and effective, with clinical studies demonstrating 67 per cent success.
KK Sharma from the AIMIl Pharamceutical said that the drug not only aims to help relief from diabetes but also enhances immune system, performs as anti-oxidant and checks free radicals.