Ayurvedic polyherbal combination (PDBT) for prediabetes: A randomized double blind placebo controlled study

ABSTRACT

Background: Increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) has become alarming, burdeninghealth care systems throughout the world. Prediabetes is an intermediate step before manifestation offull blown DM. Effective intervention at this step would help stop/slow progression to DM.Objective: This study aimed at use of a polyherbal combination (PDBT e constituted of Tinospora cordifolia, Pterocarpus marsupium, Gymnema sylvestre, Zingiber officinale and Momordica charantia) alongwith life style modification compared to a placebo in prevention of DM among prediabetic individuals.Materials and Methods: The study was a double blinded, placebo controlled randomized clinical trial.Participants were divided in to a group on PDBT and life style management (LSM) and second on placeboand LSM. Participants in the intervention group received 2 gm/day of PDBT. All participants received theintervention for a period of 6 months.Results: One hundred and fourteen participants were enrolled in the study, 57 each in intervention andcontrol group. At the end of the study, 8 participants from the intervention group, compared to 15participants in the control group had converted to DM. There was a 47% risk reduction in the interventiongroup. Participants in the intervention group showed statistically significant decrease in their bloodglucose level (fasting and PP), HbA1c, fasting serum insulin and HOMA-IR values. There was no significant change in BMI. No adverse effects were reported by any participants.Conclusion: PDBT along with LSM in prediabetic participants was associated with reduction in conversion to DM than placebo along with LSM without any adverse effects.© 2018 Transdisciplinary University, Bangalore and World Ayurveda Foundation. Publishing Services byElsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http//creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).