ABSTRACT
Background: Type 2 diabetes has become a global epidemic. Tinospora cordifolia is being used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes since ancient times. It is a common misconception that Ayurvedic medicines are always safe. In fact, they also pose serious health risks either in the form of adverse reactions or in the form of drug interactions. Hence this study was undertaken to study the efficacy and safety of Tc on human subjects. Methods: We recruited 40 type 2 diabetic patients who were on oral hypoglycaemic agents. These patients were then randomly divided into two groups, A and B. Patients in group A continued with their anti-diabetic medications while in group B Tc was given at a dose of 500 mg three times daily along with their conventional medications. The fasting and post prandial blood glucose levels, renal function tests and liver function tests were recorded at baseline, 3 months and 6 months. Results: During the course of study we observed a decrease in the fasting and post prandial blood glucose levels of the patients. No significant change was observed in the renal function tests and liver function tests and no other event of any adverse drug reactions were recorded. Conclusion: Tinospora cordifolia (Tc) is effective as an add-on therapy in patients with type-2 diabetes. There is no negative impact of Tc on the renal as well as liver function tests.
ABSTRACT
Background: Type 2 diabetes is a fast growing epidemic affecting people globally. Good glycemic control helps in reducing the risk of macro and microvascular complications in diabetics. Alternative medicines have been used since ancient times in India to achieve good glycemic control. Tinospora cordifolia (Tc) is a well reported plant possessing anti-diabetic property. Therefore, we undertook this study to evaluate the effectivity of Tc in reducing the blood glucose levels of Type 2 diabetic patients in the form of add-on therapy. Methods: In the present study, we enrolled 100 Type 2 diabetic patients who met our inclusion criteria. These patients were then randomly divided into two Groups, A and B. Patients in Group A were treated as controls and they continued with their anti-diabetic medications. In Group B, Tc was added to the conventional treatment at a dose of 500 mg 3 times daily along with meals. The fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were recorded baseline and after 6 months. Results: During the course of study, we observed a decrease in the fasting, postprandial, and HbA1c levels of the patients. However, this decrease was found to be more statistically significant (p≤0.005) in Group B. Conclusion: The results obtained from the present study conclude that Tc, when given in the form of add-on therapy, was found to be synergistic and effective in the better management of Type 2 diabetes. The drug was well tolerated by the patients and no adverse drug event was recorded.