Abstract

Aim of the study was to examine the efficacy of a combination herbal product from Malaysian market. This herbal product is traditionally being used for managing diabetes mellitus. The herbal combination is a mixture of Momordica charantia, Punica granatum, Lawsonia inermis and Tamarindus indica. The drug was administered orally at the dose of 620mg/70kg once daily for the duration of 42 days to alloxan induced diabetic rats. The effects of this herbal combination were compared with standard drug, sulphonylurea (Glibenclamide). Efficacy of the drug was monitored at intervals with respect to fasting and random glucose levels and glycosylated hemoglobin. Results revealed that the combination of four herbs reduced fasting glucose levels and random glucose levels. HbA1C was observed to be less than 7% by this herbal combination. However, the herbal combination failed to produce the efficacy comparable to the standard drug, Glibenclamide.