ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy is a slow progressing complication of diabetes mellitus with multifactorial aetiology affecting approximately 80% of diabetics worldwide. Chronic hyperglycemic milieu of Diabetes induces biochemical changes which contribute to the pathogenesis of Diabetic retinopathy. OBJECTIVE: The present study examined the protective effect of Vasant Kusumakar Ras, an Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation, in diabetic retinopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diabetes was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (45 mg/kg). Rats were kept without any treatment for period of three weeks for induction of Diabetic retinopathy followed by treatment with Vasant Kusumakar Ras (11.25 mg/kg, p.o) for further 5 weeks. Fasting blood glucose levels, lipid profile and HbA1c were determined. Eye tissue homogenates were subjected to biochemical analysis to determine the levels of oxidative stress parameters (superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation), vascular endothelial growth factor and aldose reductase activity. Histopathological analysis of retinal tissue was conducted using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. RESULTS: Vasant Kusumakar Ras treatment restored serum lipid profile which was altered in diabetic rats. Treatment with Vasant Kusumakar Ras significantly ameliorated the oxidative stress in eye tissue resulting in decreased lipid peroxidation and increase in endogenous antioxidant levels. Levels of aldose reductase and vascular endothelial growth factor in eye tissue were significantly decreased in Vasant Kusumakar Ras treated rats. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining indicated that the Vasant Kusumakar Ras treatment significantly restored the normal architecture of the retinal tissue. CONCLUSION: Vasant Kusumakar Ras exhibits protective effect and prevents the development of Diabetic retinopathy through its effects on multiple biochemical pathways implicated in pathogenesis of Diabetic retinopathy.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) has become alarming, burdening health care systems throughout the world. Prediabetes is an intermediate step before manifestation of full 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 - constituted of Tinospora cordifolia, Pterocarpus marsupium, Gymnema sylvestre, Zingiber officinale and Momordica charantia) along with 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 placebo and LSM. Participants in the intervention group received 2 gm/day of PDBT. All participants received the intervention for a period of 6 months. RESULTS: One hundred and fourteen participants were enrolled in the study, 57 each in intervention and control group. At the end of the study, 8 participants from the intervention group, compared to 15 participants in the control group had converted to DM. There was a 47% risk reduction in the intervention group. Participants in the intervention group showed statistically significant decrease in their blood glucose 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.
