Polyherbal preparation for anti-diabetic activity: A screening study.

Objective: To screen the Polyherbal preparation for anti-diabetic activity in rats. Materials and Methods: The blood glucose lowering activity of the Polyherbal preparation-I (1:1:1 of Wheat germ oil, Coriandrum sativum and Aloe vera) was studied in normal rats after oral administration at doses of 1.0 and 2.0 ml/kg and Polyherbal preparation-I, II (Wheat germ oil, fresh juice of C. sativum and Aloe vera in the ratio of 2:2:1), and III (Wheat germ oil, fresh juice of C. sativum and Aloe vera in the ratio of 1:2:2) on alloxan-induced diabetic rats, after oral administration at doses of 1.0 and 2.0 ml/kg. Blood samples were collected from the tail vein method at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h in normal rats and in diabetic rats at 0, 1, 3, 7, 15, and 30 days. Blood plasma glucose was estimated by the GOD/POD (glucose oxidase and peroxidase) method. The data was compared statistically using the one-way ANOVA method followed by the Dunnett multiple component test. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. Results: The Polyherbal preparation-I produced significant (P<0.05) reduction in the blood glucose level of normal rats and Polyherbal preparation-I, II, and III produced significant (P<0.01) reduction in the blood glucose level of diabetic rats during 30 days study and compared with that of control and Glibenclamide. Conclusion: The Polyherbal preparation-I showed a significant glucose lowering effect in normal rats and Polyherbal preparation-I, II, and III in diabetic rats. This preparation is going to be promising anti-diabetic preparation for masses; however, it requires further extensive studies in human beings.

Assessment of protective role of polyherbal preparation, Livina, against anti-tubercular drug induced liver dysfunction.

The present study evaluated the possible protective role of Livina (a polyherbal preparation) against anti-tubercular therapy (ATT)-induced liver dysfunction in patients of pulmonary tuberculosis. Patients were given intensive phase treatment with 4-drugs (rifampicin, INH, pyrazinamide and ethambutol) used for anti-tubercular therapy for 2 months, followed by a 4-month continuous phase treatment with 2 drugs (rifampicin and INH) under clinical advice and supervision. Both qualitative and quantitative measures of liver function were assessed, at different time intervals, before and after ATT. Analysis of data showed that the incidence of qualitative manifestations of liver dysfunction were greater in the placebo treated group as compared to the test drug group. None of the patients of either group showed clinical jaundice. Most signific changes ant were observed in the SGOT and SGPT levels in the placebo group, wherein the levels of both enzymes were higher at 4 and 8 weeks post–ATT, as compared to the respective baseline (0 week) values. When Livina (2 capsules twice daily) was given with ATT drugs, incidence of qualitative manifestation of liver dysfunction was insignificant and SGOT and SGPT levels were also significantly lower than the placebo+ATT drugs treated group. These results indicate that the test drug (Livina) was efficacious, against ATT-induced hepatic dysfunction in patients of pulmonary tuberculosis.