RESUMO
The mother tinctures of the herbs Gymnema sylvestre and Cephalendra indica have been used in homeopathy for the treatment of diabetes mellitus as hypoglycemic agents. Both of these herbs are found in abundance in the subcontinent. Their hypoglycemic effect is known but the mechanism of action is still controversial. In the present study a total of 41 patients with diabetes type II were selected and administered mother tinctures of Gymnema sylvestre and Cephalendra indica in liquid form. Fasting and random blood glucose levels were taken along with fasting serum insulin levels prior to the medication. Medication to these 41 patients was given for 30 days and their blood glucose levels along with insulin levels were estimated on the 1st, 10th and 30th day. Treatment with Gymnema sylvestre and Cephalendra indica showed a significant decrease in the blood glucose level however, no effect on the serum insulin level was observed