Anti diabetic activity of amrithadi churnam
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Anti diabetic activity of amrithadi churnam
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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R.B. Nair, K.V. Nair, A.R. Nair, C.P.R. Nair
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Anti diabetic activity of amrithadi churnam
Year: 1992
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Amrithadi Churnam is a compound Ayurvedic preparation composed of five medicinal herbs: Tinospora cordifolia, Salacia prenoides, Curcuma longa, Tribulus terrestris, and Phyllanthus emblica. Traditionally, it is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat diabetes and enhance metabolic functions. However, scientific validation of its antidiabetic properties had been lacking prior to this study. Research conducted on alloxan-induced diabetic rats demonstrated the efficacy of Amrithadi Churnam in lowering blood sugar levels, establishing the preparation’s significance in diabetes management.
Dose-Dependent Efficacy
The study evaluated the antidiabetic activity of Amrithadi Churnam at various doses (50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg/kg body weight). The results indicated that the 100 mg/kg dosage was the most effective in significantly reducing blood sugar levels in diabetic rats, from initial values ranging between 206-305 mg/100 ml to 126.54 mg/100 ml after four weeks of treatment. Notably, the higher dose of 200 mg/kg did not yield a further reduction in blood sugar, suggesting a dose-dependent effect with an optimum threshold. Moreover, the preparation exhibited a non-toxic profile, as indicated by stable serum and liver protein levels, and no adverse effects on liver enzyme activities were observed at the lower doses.
Conclusion
This study provides scientific evidence supporting the antidiabetic activity of Amrithadi Churnam, establishing its potential as an effective therapeutic option for managing diabetes. The preparation’s optimal dosage was identified at 100 mg/kg body weight, which produced significant hypoglycemic effects without inducing toxicity in the test subjects. Despite the promising outcomes, the study also highlights the need for further investigations to fully understand the mechanisms underlying the action of Amrithadi Churnam, especially considering its potential extra pancreatic roles in glucose metabolism.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Amrithadi Churnam made from?
Amrithadi Churnam is an Ayurvedic preparation made from Tinospora cordifolia, Salacia prenoides, Curcuma longa, Tribulus terrestris, and Emblica officinalis, commonly used for treating diabetes.
How was Amrithadi Churnam tested for effectiveness?
The antidiabetic activity of Amrithadi Churnam was tested on alloxan diabetic albino rats, comparing its effects to standard hypoglycemic drugs like tolbutamide and phenformin.
What dosage of Amrithadi Churnam was found to be optimal?
The study established that a dosage of 100 mg/kg body weight is the optimum for reducing blood sugar levels in alloxan diabetic rats without toxic effects.
What side effects were observed during the Amrithadi Churnam study?
No significant toxic effects were noted. Blood hematocrit and liver enzyme levels remained normal, indicating the safety of Amrithadi Churnam at the tested dose levels.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Anti diabetic activity of amrithadi churnam”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid that carries oxygen and nutrients to cells and removes waste products from the body. In this study, blood sugar levels are measured to assess the antidiabetic activity of Amrithadi Churnam. Monitoring blood parameters is essential for evaluating drug efficacy and safety in experimental models.
2) Drug:
A drug is a substance used to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent disease. In this context, Amrithadi Churnam is categorized as a drug with potential antidiabetic properties, derived from Ayurvedic medicine. The study investigates its biological effects and therapeutic dosage in diabetic rats to establish its efficacy.
3) Sugar:
Sugar, specifically glucose, is a primary source of energy for the body's cells. In diabetes, elevated blood sugar levels indicate poor insulin functionality. This study focuses on reducing hyperglycemia through the administration of Amrithadi Churnam, demonstrating its potential to control blood sugar levels in diabetic subjects.
4) Activity:
Activity refers to the biochemical or physiological effects a substance has on living organisms. The study examines the antidiabetic activity of Amrithadi Churnam by measuring its capacity to lower blood sugar levels in diabetic rats, thus demonstrating its potential therapeutic effect in managing diabetes.
5) Water:
Water is a crucial component of biological systems, aiding in metabolic processes, nutrient transport, and temperature regulation. The study utilizes distilled water as a control treatment for rats, highlighting the importance of maintaining hydration and standardizing conditions when evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic agents.
6) Tribulus terrestris:
Tribulus terrestris is a medicinal plant known for its diuretic properties. It is included in Amrithadi Churnam for its potential health benefits. The study assesses its role in lowering blood sugar levels, emphasizing the traditional and scientific perspectives on this herb's medicinal applications in diabetes management.
7) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that emphasizes the balance of body, mind, and spirit to promote health. The study of Amrithadi Churnam is rooted in Ayurvedic practices, highlighting its historical use and the need for scientific validation of its therapeutic effects on diabetes.
8) Tinospora cordifolia:
Tinospora cordifolia, also known as Guduchi, is a prominent herb in Ayurveda known for its immunomodulatory and antidiabetic properties. This study investigates its inclusion in Amrithadi Churnam, evaluating its contributions to lowering blood sugar levels and enhancing overall metabolic health in diabetic models.
9) Phyllanthus emblica:
Phyllanthus emblica, commonly known as Amla, is a fruit recognized for its antioxidant properties and nutritional value. In this research, it is included in Amrithadi Churnam and is significant for its potential benefits in reducing blood sugar levels, reinforcing the importance of herbal constituents in diabetes management.
10) Emblica officinalis:
Emblica officinalis, synonymous with Phyllanthus emblica or Amla, is a well-documented Ayurvedic herb with numerous health benefits. The study explores its role within Amrithadi Churnam, showcasing its therapeutic potential in regulating blood sugar and exemplifying the integration of traditional knowledge with scientific inquiry.
11) Curcuma longa:
Curcuma longa, or turmeric, is a spice celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In the context of Amrithadi Churnam, its contribution to managing diabetes by influencing blood sugar levels is investigated, exemplifying the blending of culinary and medicinal uses of this versatile plant.
12) Tuberculosis:
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, often targeting the lungs. The references to prior research suggest that some components of Amrithadi Churnam may have potential antimicrobial properties. This highlights the broader medicinal applications of these herbs beyond just diabetes treatment, extending to infectious diseases.
13) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the analytical review of findings in scientific research. In this study, a detailed discussion interprets the implications of the data obtained from testing Amrithadi Churnam, contextualizing results within the wider field of antidiabetic research and drawing comparisons with conventional treatments like tolbutamide.
14) Science (Scientific):
Science embodies the systematic pursuit of knowledge derived from observation and experimentation. The study on Amrithadi Churnam represents the scientific evaluation of traditional medicines, reinforcing the necessity for empirical evidence to support the efficacy of herbal treatments in managing conditions like diabetes.
15) Medicine:
Medicine is the field dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. The study's focus on Amrithadi Churnam signifies the ongoing exploration of herbal remedies in modern medicine, advocating for their relevance in managing chronic conditions, particularly diabetes, through evidence-based research approaches.
16) Debility:
Debility refers to physical weakness or inability, often linked to chronic diseases. The traditional use of Ayurvedic formulations like Amrithadi Churnam targets such conditions, and the study establishes a connection between improving metabolic health and enhancing overall vitality, demonstrating the relevance of holistic treatments in chronic disease management.
17) Amalaki (Āmalakī, Āmalaki):
Amalaki is another name for Phyllanthus emblica or Amla, known for its high vitamin C content and restorative properties in Ayurveda. Its inclusion in Amrithadi Churnam underscores the significance of this herb in promoting metabolic health, particularly in the context of reducing blood sugar levels among diabetic individuals.
18) Gokshura (Gokṣura, Go-kshura):
Goksura refers to Tribulus terrestris in Ayurveda, recognized for its health benefits, particularly in enhancing vitality and supporting kidney function. In the context of Amrithadi Churnam, it serves as a key ingredient, showcasing the integrative approach of combining multiple herbs to target complex health issues like diabetes.
19) Haridra (Hāridra, Haridrā):
Haridra is the Sanskrit term for Curcuma longa or turmeric, renowned for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties in Ayurvedic practices. Its role in Amrithadi Churnam emphasizes the importance of synergistic effects among the components, reflecting a traditional understanding of combining herbs to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
20) Siddha (Siddhā):
Siddha is a traditional system of medicine from South India, focusing on holistic health and spiritual well-being. While the study centers on Ayurveda, mentioning Siddha highlights the interconnectedness of Indian traditional medicines and their shared philosophies regarding the use of natural substances for healing.
21) Gupta (Guptā):
Gupta refers to an author or researcher and signifies contributions to the body of knowledge within the study. The inclusion of references to Gupta's work indicates the collaborative nature of scientific inquiries in pharmacology and emphasizes the importance of past research in shaping current investigations.
22) Amla (Amlā, Āmlā):
Amla, commonly known as Phyllanthus emblica, is celebrated for its rich vitamin C content and extensive health benefits. In the context of Amrithadi Churnam, its presence reinforces the preparation's potential to ameliorate blood sugar levels and promote overall health, reflecting its significance in both dietary and medicinal applications.
23) Rama (Ramā, Rāmā, Rāma):
Rama likely refers to a researcher or traditional figure associated with Ayurvedic practices. Mentioning Rama underscores the historical context of Ayurvedic knowledge and the lineage of practitioners dedicated to exploring the medicinal properties of plants, illustrating the continuity in the quest for effective treatments.
24) Hand:
The mention of 'hand' may be metaphorical in this context, suggesting the human element involved in medicine and research. It reflects the direct involvement of practitioners in administering treatments and highlights the blend of personal and scientific efforts in advancing health care and pharmacological studies.