Flexible dose open trial of Vijayasar in cases of newly-diagnosed non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Collaborating Centres, New Delhi

A flexible dose open trial was undertaken in four centres in India to evaluate the efficacy of an Ayurvedic drug Vijayasar (Pterocarpus marsupium) in the treatment of newly-diagnosed or untreated non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). By 12 wk, control of blood glucose (both fasting and postprandial levels) had been attained in 67 (69%) of 97 patients studied, and the dose on which control was attained was 2 g of the extract in about 73 per cent of the patients, 3 g in about 16 per cent and 4 g in 10 per cent of the patients. Four patients had to be withdrawn from treatment due to excessively high postprandial blood glucose levels. Among the 93 patients who completed 12 wk of treatment, both the fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels fell significantly (P <0.001), by 32 and 45 mg/dl at 12 wk from the initial means of 151 and 216 mg/dl respectively. Mean HbA1c decreased significantly (P <0.001) to 9.4 per cent at 12 wk from the initial mean of 9.8 per cent. No significant change was observed in the mean levels of lipids. Other laboratory parameters remained stable during the designated treatment period of 12 wk. Also, no side-effects were reported. Hence, it is concluded that Vijayasar is useful in the treatment of newly diagnosed or untreated mild NIDDM patients.