Abstract

AN EXPERIMENTAL APPRAISAL OF THE SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF AN AYURVEDIC HERBOMINERAL COMPOUND MEHAKULANTHAKA RASA

Sakhitha K. S.*, P. Suresh, K. Shankar Rao and Rajesh. K. Sharma

Abstract

Mehakulanthaka Rasa is a herbo mineral compound used in the management of Diabetes mellitus. The formulation is mentioned in one of the latest classics, Bhaishajyaratnavali. It is a combination of Abhraka Bhasma, Vanga Bhasma, Parada, Gandhaka, Shilajatu and around 15 herbal ingredients. Though herbo minerals are highly acclaimed for their therapeutic efficacy, at present there are apprehensions regarding the safety and efficacy of the above said preparations. Need of the hour is to revalidate the safety and efficacy of these formulations in a more meticulous manner, to improve the global acceptance of Ayurveda. In the present study an attempt was made to evaluate the acute toxicity and the anti diabetic property of Mehakulanthaka Rasa. The anti diabetic potential was evaluated in streptozotocin induced diabetic rat model. The test drug was given in two different doses to the experimental diabetic rats for a duration of 28 days. Biochemical parameters like blood sugar level, SGOT, SGPT, lipid profile and total protein were evaluated. A significant reduction in blood glucose level was observed in the diabetic rats along with reduction in other biochemical parameters also. The study concluded that Ayurvedic formulations are safe and effective when proper guidelines are followed during the manufacturing of these formulations.

Keywords: Mehakulanthaka Rasa, safety, efficacy, streptozotocin.