Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Activity of Mulberry (Morus Indica) in Type 2 Diabetes Patients.

Mulberry is known to have hypoglycemic, hypotensive and diuretic property. Andallu et al in 2001 have shown hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activity of mulberry in comparative clinical trial with glibenclamide. Methods: Mild newly diagnosed patients of DM type 2, (having fasting blood sugar > 126 mg %) were randomized into 2 groups of 9 each .One of the groups received crude Mulberry (Morus Indica) leaves preparation of 1gm tds in capsule form and the other group received Glibenclamide 5 mg /day for a total study period of 30 days. Results: Within group (pre and post) analysis revealed, group receiving glibenclamide showed significant reduction in post meal blood sugar levels (p<0.05). Whereas group on Mulberry treatment demonstrated statistically significant decrease in fasting and post meal blood sugar levels (24.6% and 19.9% respectively; p<0.05), triglyceride (16.04%, p<0.05), VLDL (10.7%, p<0.05) and total cholesterol (10%, p<0.05) levels. This Mulberry wing also showed a decreasing trend in LDL and a rising trend in HDL levels, although statistically not significant. Mulberry group had more favourable effect on subjective symptoms eg, fatigability (90% vs 70%), sense of well-being (100% vs 60%) and cramps and leg pain (66.66% vs 42.9 %). Between group analysis (comparison for change in parameters). Both the groups did not show statistical difference when compared for change in parameters over one month. Conclusion: Mulberry (Morus Indica) has the potential to be useful in mild type 2 DM for its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic action.

Long term effects of atenolol in patients of mitral stenosis & normal sinus rhythm.

We studied the effect of atenolol 100 mg/day in 50 symptomatic patients of mitral stenosis and normal sinus rhythm, in a placebo controlled study. Atenolol caused significant bradycardia as compared to placebo (vitamin C; P < 0.001) without any adverse effects. It also increased exercise capacity significantly as compared to placebo (P < 0.001). All the patients were followed up to the period of 9 months and no adverse effects were seen. We conclude that beta adrenergic blocking drugs like atenolol can be used as the only treatment for patients with mitral stenosis without congestive heart failure and in sinus rhythm, for long-term symptomatic relief.