Anti-diabetes Herbal Drug Launched: Focused efforts towards Affordable Healthcare

The CSIR constituent laboratories CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI) and CSIR-Central Institute for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP) have jointly developed an anti-diabetic herbal formulation from a combination of natural extracts derived from six plant species mentioned in ancient Ayurveda texts. The drug, BGR-34, was approved by the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) after it was tested on patients over a period of 18 months across the states of Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Karnataka. The drug, to be taken as an add-on or adjuvant to existing diabetes treatment, helps in maintaining normal blood glucose levels, in addition to improving the immune system, releasing antioxidants and checking free radicals. About 67% patients showed normal blood sugar levels within 3-4 days of drug usage. The drug has been licensed to Delhi-based Aimil Pharamaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. for commercialization. The herbal drug costs ` 5 per pill, and has been launched in parts of North India.