Traditional Indian medicines can effectively treat type two diabetes, according to new research. A new study has found Ayurveda medicines, which are often used in South Asia, can help people with the condition maintain their blood sugar levels.
They can also help people manage their body weight, blood pressure and cholesterol. Ayurveda is a traditional medical system that has been used for thousands of years in many South Asian countries including India and Nepal.
It involves lifestyle changes, including to diet, detoxifying and purifying therapies and medicines which contain plant, animal, or mineral-origin ingredients – either alone or mixed together. Some of the herbs used in it are also used to treat illnesses in Iran, China and Mexico.
For the study, a research team led by scientists at the University of Nottingham conducted a systematic review of existing research into the practice. They looked at results from 199 randomised control trials involving 21,191 participants and 98 Ayurvedic medicines, and found the traditional medicine to be effective at treating the condition.
Earlier reviews had found the traditional medical method could help people with type two diabetes but many did not include newer trial results and none have provided a comprehensive summary of all the medicines used for managing the condition. The researchers say theirs is the first “comprehensive” systematic review on any traditional medicine.
Many Ayurvedic doctors believe some of the herb extracts and proprietary Ayurvedic medicines in the researchers’ review are a deviation from traditional Ayurveda. Lead study author Dr Kaushik Chattopadhyay, from the University of Nottingham, said: “This is the first time a thorough review has taken place looking at all these medicines on a much larger scale.
“The current evidence suggests the benefits of a range of Ayurvedic medicines in improving glycemic control in type two diabetes patients. Given the limitations of the available evidence and to strengthen the evidence base, high-quality randomised controlled trials should be conducted and reported.
“As part of the funded project, we have developed a clinical guideline for managing type two diabetes by Ayurvedic practitioners based on this evidence and will be evaluating it.”
Type two diabetes is one of the main diseases for which patients use Ayurvedic medicines, often continuously from the point of diagnosis. The traditional medicine is often used by people because it fits in with their culture and existing beliefs about health.
It is often used among poorer people, older people, those living in rural areas and minority populations. Its effectiveness is often perceived to be high by those who use it.
Many diabetics prefer not to use Western medicine because of it is expensive, has side effects and involves regular injections. The findings were published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology.
