Evaluation of “GSPF kwath”: A Gymnema sylvestre-containing polyherbal formulation for the treatment of human type 2 diabetes mellitus

IntroductionSince ancient times, plant-based herbal formulations have been used in Indian traditional medicine to treat diabetes. This observational study investigated the antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidant potential of a Gymnema sylvestre polyherbal formulation (“GSPF kwath”) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodsA before-and-after study of 32 human subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus was carried out. Patients were administered “GSPF kwath” consisting of a mixture of 10 herbs: G. sylvestre (gurmar), Syzygium cumini (jamun seed), Phyllanthus emblica (amla), Curcuma longa (haldi), Pterocarpus marsupium (vijaysaar), Terminalia chebula (harad), Cassia fistula (amaltas), Picrorhiza kurroa (kutki), Swertia chirata (chirayita), and Terminalia bellirica (behada). Patients were administered 50 ml of aqueous extract derived from 10 g of “GSPF kwath” daily on an empty stomach for 6 months. The blood glucose levels were monitored monthly, and glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid profile and biomarkers of oxidative stress, and liver and kidney function markers were measured at 3-monthly intervals.ResultsDaily administration of “GSPF kwath” regularly for 6 months resulted in significant reductions of blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels. There was also a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and concomitant decreases in total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein levels. Patients exhibited a significant improvement in the biochemical markers for oxidative stress.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the polyherbal formulation GSPF may have the potential to regulate both hyperglycemia and possibly hyperlipidemia. “GSPF kwath” may be a potentially safe and effective therapy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.