Hypoglycemic effect of triphala in non-insulin dependent diabetes
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Hypoglycemic effect of triphala on selected non insulin dependent Diabetes mellitus subjects
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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Sowmya S. Rajan, Seema Antony
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Hypoglycemic effect of triphala on selected non insulin dependent Diabetes mellitus subjects
Year: 2008
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Modern lifestyles, characterized by high stress, increased automation, junk food consumption, and sedentary habits, have contributed to a rise in diabetes, impacting both developed and developing nations. The World Health Organization estimates that over 300 million people globally will be affected by diabetes, which is being termed a significant epidemic. As medical management and nutritional therapies gain importance, alternative medicine, particularly Ayurveda, emerges as a significant approach to managing health issues like diabetes. This study focuses on the hypoglycemic effects of Triphala, an Ayurvedic formulation made from three myrobalans: Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia chebula, and Embilica officinalis.
Hypoglycemic Properties of Triphala
The study involved a supplementation trial with Triphala on 60 NIDDM (Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus) subjects, who took 5 grams of Triphala daily for 45 days. Initial and ongoing biochemical analyses showed a significant reduction in blood glucose levels over the study period. The mean fasting blood glucose levels decreased from an initial 178 mg/dl to 137.43 mg/dl by the end of the study, demonstrating the potential of Triphala as a natural remedy for managing blood sugar levels. The active ingredients in Triphala, such as Menthol and Sorbitol, are believed to contribute to its hypoglycemic effects, making it a valuable option for individuals looking to maintain healthy blood glucose levels.
Conclusion
This research underscores the viability of incorporating herbal remedies like Triphala into the daily diet for managing diabetes. With diabetes posing a significant threat to public health and life expectancy, utilizing traditional medicines as complementary therapies is becoming increasingly relevant. The findings suggest that consistent use of such herbal formulations may help minimize the incidence and early manifestations of diabetes, reinforcing the need for further exploration into alternative medicinal approaches alongside conventional treatments.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the objective of the study on Triphala supplementation?
The study aims to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of Triphala powder, a traditional herbal remedy, on non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) subjects over a 45-day period.
What are the primary ingredients in Triphala?
Triphala consists of three key herbs: Terminalia bellirica (Belliric myrobalan), Terminalia chebula (Indian gallnut), and Emblica officinalis (Indian gooseberry), which collectively are known for their health benefits and hypoglycemic properties.
How was the study conducted on NIDDM subjects?
The study included 60 NIDDM subjects among 150 surveyed, who were supplemented with 5 grams of Triphala daily for 45 days, mixed with buttermilk, with regular monitoring of their blood glucose levels.
What were the results of the Triphala supplementation on blood glucose?
Significant reductions were observed in fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels among subjects after 45 days of Triphala supplementation, indicating its potential effectiveness in managing diabetes.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Hypoglycemic effect of triphala in non-insulin dependent diabetes”. 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 refers to the vital fluid circulating in the bodies of humans and animals, transporting nutrients, gases, and waste products. In this study, blood glucose levels are measured to assess the impact of Triphala supplementation on diabetic subjects, highlighting its role in monitoring health and disease management for diabetes mellitus.
2) Triphala (Tri-phala):
Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic herbal formulation composed of three fruits: Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, and Emblica officinalis. It is renowned for its health benefits, particularly its hypoglycemic effects in managing blood sugar levels among diabetic patients, as evidenced by the significant changes observed in the study.
3) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes balance in bodily systems and promotes wellness through natural remedies, diet, and lifestyle. The study references Ayurveda as it utilizes Triphala, aligning with holistic healing practices that treat chronic conditions like diabetes via natural means instead of conventional pharmaceuticals.
4) Terminalia chebula:
Terminalia chebula, known as Chebulic Myrobalan, is one component of Triphala with notable health benefits, particularly its laxative and hypoglycemic properties. Its inclusion in the study underscores its significance in lowering blood glucose levels among diabetic subjects, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the Triphala formulation.
5) Terminalia bellirica:
Terminalia bellirica, or Belliric Myrobalan, is another vital ingredient of Triphala, recognized for its multiple therapeutic effects, including its hypoglycemic actions. This study examines how its properties, along with other components, contribute to reducing blood sugar levels, emphasizing its role in traditional and contemporary medicine.
6) Post:
In this context, 'Post' refers to the period after a specific event or measurement, particularly after meals. The study measures postprandial blood glucose levels to determine the effectiveness of Triphala in regulating blood sugar levels after eating, thereby providing insights into its impact on diabetes management.
7) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the branch of medicine that explores the effects of drugs and their mechanisms. The study incorporates aspects of pharmacology by investigating how the herbal treatment of Triphala impacts physiological functions, specifically blood glucose regulation, offering an alternative perspective to conventional pharmacological approaches for diabetes.
8) Discussion:
The discussion section in scientific studies synthesizes findings and offers interpretations, highlighting implications, limitations, and future directions. In this research, the discussion evaluates the results from Triphala supplementation, analyzing its effectiveness in lowering glucose levels and relating findings to existing knowledge in diabetic management.
9) Science (Scientific):
Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge about the universe, employing empirical methods to gather evidence. This study reflects scientific inquiry into traditional remedies like Triphala, bridging the gap between ancient knowledge and modern research to validate their medicinal efficacy.
10) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness. The study employs medicinal qualities of Triphala, an alternative therapy rooted in traditional practices, demonstrating its relevance in modern medicine as a potential solution for managing diabetes mellitus through natural interventions.
11) Epidemic:
An epidemic refers to a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community or region within a specific time frame. Diabetes is highlighted as an emerging epidemic, emphasizing the urgency of finding effective management strategies such as Triphala supplementation to combat the increasing prevalence globally.
12) Activity:
Activity often refers to physical exertion or engagement in exercise, which is crucial for overall health and particularly for managing diabetes. The study discusses the role of increased physical activity alongside dietary interventions like Triphala in reducing blood glucose levels and promoting well-being.
13) Siddha:
Siddha is a traditional Indian system of medicine that aims to maintain health through natural remedies and holistic practices. Similar to Ayurveda, it shares the concept of using herbal combinations like Triphala, asserting the significance of natural treatments in addressing lifestyle diseases such as diabetes.
14) Amla:
Amla refers to Emblica officinalis, known for its powerful antioxidant properties and health benefits, including blood glucose regulation. As a key ingredient in Triphala, Amla contributes significantly to its therapeutic efficacy in managing diabetes, providing a well-rounded approach to dietary supplementation.
15) Drug:
A drug is a substance used for medical treatment, which has therapeutic properties. The study explores Triphala as a natural drug, showcasing its role in the management of diabetes as an alternative to synthetic pharmaceuticals, thus re-establishing the importance of herbal medicine in contemporary health care.