A Comparative Clinical Study of Nishadi Churna and Metformin in the Management of Madhumeha (Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus)

Abstract

Madhumeha, a Vataja subtype of Prameha in Ayurveda, has been clinically associated with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). The escalating prevalence of diabetes in India estimated to affect 80 million individuals by 2030 demands a rigorous evaluation of traditional Ayurvedic therapeutics. Nishadi Churna, a classical formulation from Bharat Bhaishajya Ratnakar (Part 3, Verse 3445), comprises Haridra (Curcuma longa) and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) taken with Madhu (honey), all documented Prameha-nashak agents. This open randomized controlled clinical trial enrolled 60 patients (age 35–60 yrs) with Madhumeha/ Type-2 DM. Group A (n=30) received Nishadi Churna 2.2 g/day with Madhu as Anupana for 3 months; Group B (n=30) received Metformin 500–2500mg/day for 3 months. Both groups showed statistically significant improvement (p<0.0001). Nishadi Churna demonstrated 77–83% improvement in all clinical parameters, with superior performance in Karpadadaha/ Supti (83.67% vs. 57.67%, p=0.0106) and Trushnadhikya (77.72% vs. 64.44%). Metformin was superior in absolute glycemic reduction (Fasting BSL 97% vs. 78.65%; PPBS 94% vs. 77%). Overall, 83.33% patients achieved good improvement. No adverse effects were recorded with Nishadi Churna. The formulation is a safe, cost-effective Ayurvedic alternative for managing Madhumeha/T2DM.