PRECLINICAL AND CLINICAL STUDIES OF PUTILOHA BHASMA ON DIABETES: A REVIEW

Abstract

Diabetes is turning global problem. It is fast gaining the status of a potential epidemic in In-dia with more than 62 million diabetic individuals currently diagnosed with the disease. Dif-ferent medicinal branches are striving hard to overcome this global problem at various stages of diabetes such as pre diabetic, diabetes and post diabetes complications. Rasaushadhies (Herbomineral Praparations) such as Bhasmas (Incinerated metals and minerals)in plays im-portant role in Ayurvedic therapeutics. Putiloha Bhasma i.e. Naga (lead),Vanga (Tin)Yashada (Zinc) and Trivanga Bhasma indicated for diabetes since ancient times. But it is not explore due to unavailability of evidence based data on modern research models. Since attempts are going on by means of various preclinical and clinical studies, present paper aimed to review of these studies. After reviewing of papers on clinical and preclinical studies on Putilohas Bhasma it is observed that almost every Bhasma shows satisfactory results in reducing blood glucose level and improve glucose tolerance level in moderation. Therapeutic properties of Naga, Vanga and Yashada Bhasmas shows that it mainly act on Vata ,Kapha and Pitta predominant Vikara(diseases) respectively. Trivanga contains all three metals hence its efficacy in terms of anti-hyperglycemic effect and pre and post diabetes complications should be rule out. For animal studies appropriate models which complete the criteria of Ayurvedic principles of treatment is very necessary in order to prove overall therapeutic properties. More clinical trial on these Bhasmas are needed to establish its rejuvenating properties and immune protective action which may prove rewarding.