Abstract:
Most Ayurvedic drug formulations marketed in Sri Lanka for the treatment of
diabetes mellitus have not been scientifically evaluated and their therapeutic
efficacy remains unknown. The effect of three such formulations, 'Madurneha
Harani' syrup, 'Dilini Madumeha Suwaya' syrup, and B' Kapu' tablet, on the fasting
blood glucose levels of rats, was investigated. The efficacy of these preparations
was evaluated by comparing with a reference hypoglycaemic drug, tolbutamide.
The serum glucose level of both 'control' and 'treated' rats was determined by the
glucose hexokinase UV procedure. immediately prior to dose administration, and
hourly intervals, for 4 h post administration. A significant (P<0.05) reduction in the
fasting blood glucose level of rats was observed in the first 3 h post administration
for 'Madurneha Haranai' and during the last 3 h, for 'Dilini Madumaha Suwaya'.
Madumeha Harani' and 'Dilini Madumeha Suwaya' syrups exhibited 49.9% and
57.6% of oral hypoglycaemic activity of tolbutamide, respectively, and thus merit
further investigation on their mode of action.
