Abstract

INTEGRATING AYURVEDIC FORMULATIONS WITH METFORMIN: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF USHIRADI YOGAM AND NISHAKATHAKADI KASAYA IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

*Geethu Gangadharan and Dr. M. S. Deepa MD(Ay)

ABSTRACT

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the largest global health emergencies of this century. According to WHO, the number of adults living with diabetes is increasing day by day. Kerala is the diabetic capital of India with a prevalence of 20%, i.e. double the national average of 8%. In allopathic system, Oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA) and insulin are the treatment choice for diabetes. In the present era, the usage of antidiabetic herbs has gained acceptance and are being used as an add-on medication with the OHAs. In Ayurveda, DM can be correlated to Prameha (Obstinate urinary disease), Ushiradiyogam and Nishakathakadikashaya are mentioned in the context of treatment of Prameha (Obstinate urinary disease). Nishakathakadikashaya is a commonly used medicine for DM. In this study, the effect of Ushiradi Kasayam tablet (UKT), given as an add-on medication with Metformin in Type II DM in comparison with Nishakathakadi Kashaya tablet (NKT) was studied. Objective: Primary objective is to determine the effectiveness of Ushiradi Kasayam tablet (UKT) as an add-on medication in reducing FBS, PPBS and HbA1c levels, in T2DM when compared with Nisakathakadi Kashayam tablet (NKT), given as an add-on medication in participants taking first line oral hypo-glycemic drug Metformin. Materials and methods: It was a Randomized Control Trial. Both male and female participants of age group 25-70 years with FBS level from 126-200 mg/dl, PPBS from 200- 350 mg/dl, HbA1c from 6.5%- 9.5% and taking Metformin, were selected. The participants were randomized into Study and Control group. UKT and NKT were given to the study and control group respectively. The outcome variables-FBS, and PPBS were measured on 0th,31st,61st, and 91st day and HbA1c and safety parameters (LFT&RFT) were measured on the 0th & 91st day. The data was analyzed using independent sample t test. Results: After the clinical trial, there was no statistically significant difference in the effectiveness of UKT and NKT in T2DM. Conclusion: From the results, it can be concluded that both UKT and NKT are equally effective in T2DM participants taking stable dose of Metformin.

Keywords: Ushiradi yogam; Nishakathakadi Kasaya; Prameha; Diabetes mellitus.