NEW
DELHI: The world will soon have a herbal drug for diabetes, discovered, tested
and manufactured jointly by Indian and Chinese scientists.
For the first time ever,
Indian and Chinese doctors are jointly undertaking clinical trials to prove the
efficacy of herbal plants from their respective countries, that offer a cure for
diabetes.
India has shortlisted
the plant gymnema sylvetra, known locally as gurmara booti for tests. The
Chinese are yet to finalise their plant.
Raisins from gymnema sylvetra
plant, found mostly in southern India, have been recommended for use for
centuries in controlling diabetes. According to officials, gymnema sylvetra is
known to reduce blood sugar, glycosylated haemoglobin and glycosylated plasma
proteins.
The scientists in
India and China will conduct their respective clinical trials on their chosen
herbal plant and document its efficacy. In order to validate the results, they
will then be exchanged and fresh clinical trials will be conducted.
Finally, once when the
efficacy and safety of the product is established, the two countries will
jointly produce a new herbal drug for diabetes.