Vasavda Krup et al / Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm.

5(5), Sep - Oct 2014

Research Article
www.ijrap.net

ANTI-HYPERGLYCEMIC EFFECT OF ROOT POWDER OF COCCINIA GRANDIS L. VOIGT

WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO MADHUMEHA: A PILOT STUDY
Vasavda Krup1*, Hegde Prakash L2, Harini A3, Mohammad Altaf4
1
PG Scholar, Department of Dravyaguna, SDM College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India
2
Professor, Department of Dravyaguna, SDM College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India
3
Associate Professor, Department of Dravyaguna, SDM College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India
4
PG Scholar, Department of Swasthvritta, SDM College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India

Received on: 12/09/14 Revised on: 03/10/14 Accepted on: 09/10/14

*Corresponding author
Dr. Krup S. Vasavda, PG Scholar, Department of Dravyaguna, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and Hospital, BM Road,
Thanniruhalla, Hassan, Karnataka, India -573 201 E-mail: [email protected]
DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.055123

ABSTRACT
A clinical study was conducted on patients of Madumeha nearest resembling condition with diabetes mellitus, a rich man’s disease to evaluate the
hypoglycemic effect of root powder of Bimbi (Coccinia grandis L. Voigt) which traditionally practiced in rural areas of Kerala and Karnataka, India.
On the basis of this survey, present study was designed on newly diagnosed cases of type II Diabetes mellitus. The aim and objectives of this study
was to evaluate the hypoglycaemic effect of root powder of Bimbi (Coccinia grandis L. Voigt). This study was planned on 10 newly diagnosed cases
of diabetes mellitus who was administered with root powder of Bimbi (Coccinia grandis L. Voigt), Result obtained from study revealed that root
powder of Bimbi (Coccinia grandis L. Voigt) showed good effects in relieving the subjective criteria’s viz. Prabhootamootrata, Kshudhadhikyata,
Daurbalya and Pipasadhikyata. It has also shown significant result in objective criteria’s like FBS, FUS, and PPUS.
Keywords: Bimbi, Coccinia grandis L. Voigt, Diabetes mellitus, Madhumeha

INTRODUCTION Aims and Objectives

Diabetes mellitus is the most severe metabolic pandemic To evaluate the efficacy of root powder of the Coccinia
of the 21st century, affecting essential biochemical grandis L. Voigt in the management of Madhumeha with
activities in almost every cell in the body and increasing special reference to Diabetes mellitus
the risk of cardiac problems. It is estimated that in the
year 2000, 171 million people had diabetes and this is MATARIALS AND METHODS
expected to double by year 2030.1 The disease Source of Data
Madhumeha, its definition, etiology, clinical features and Botanically identified genuine root of Bimbi (Coccinia
principles of treatment appear to be similar with the grandis L. Voigt) belonging to Cucurbitaceae family was
disease “Diabetes mellitus”, which is considered as “Ice procured from Rayapura, Hassan district and authentified
Berg” disease in the present era.2 In conventional therapy, by Department of Dravyaguana SDM College of
Type I diabetes is treated with exogenous insulin and Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India.
Type 2 with oral hypoglycemic agents (sulphonylureas,
biguanides etc).3 Though different types of oral Source of the Patients
hypoglycemic agents are available along with insulin for Patients were selected after subjecting them through
the treatment of diabetes, there is an increased demand by clinical examination from OPD and IPD of SDM College
patients to use natural products with antidiabetic activity.4 of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India.
The Indian subcontinent is enriched by a variety of flora- Ethical clearance number for this study is
both aromatic and medicinal plants. This extensive flora SDMCAH/IEC/08/11-12.
has been greatly utilized as a source of many drugs in the
Indian traditional system of medicine.5 Few researches Preparation of Medicine
have analyzed the efficacy of various Dravya’s mentioned A well identified root of Bimbi (Coccinia grandis L.
in Ayurvedic classics in Madhumeha. Here an attempt voigt) from Rayapura, Hassan district, Karnataka, India
was made to analyze the effect of “Mula choorna (Root was procured, powdered and filtered in #32 sieve mesh.
powder) of Coccinia grandis L. Voigt” which is used by The sieve powder was shelved in air tight container till
many traditional practioners of Kerala and Karnataka, further use.
India. There is reference of use of Bimbi root powder in
Bhavaprakash Nighantu6 which can be traced. The Place of Work
analysis of Mula choorna (Root powder) of the Coccinia Medicine was prepared at Department of Rasa Sastra and
grandis L. Voigt indicated the presence of alkaloid, amino Bhaishajya Kalpana department SDM College of
acids, coumarin, terpenoid, tannin, phenol, steroid, Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India.
carbohydrate / glycoside and flavonoids. Clinical trial was conducted at SDM College of Ayurveda
and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India.

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Method of Collection of Data Exclusion criteria

Written and informed consent was taken. Based on the · Patients with type 1 Diabetes mellitus.
classical signs and symptoms of Madhumeha, the patients · Patients with type 2 Diabetes mellitus who are insulin
of both sexes between the age group 30-60 years were dependent.
selected from the OPD and IPD of SDM College of · Patients of Gestational Diabetes and Juvenile
Ayurveda and Hospital. Totally 11 patients were selected Diabetes.
for study by purposive sampling method following · Age group of above 60 year and below 30 years.
inclusion and exclusion criteria. · Patients with complications like cardiac disorder,
diabetic foot, Nephropathy and other secondary
Research Design complications.
11 newly diagnosed cases of Madhumeha were selected
and they were administered Bimbi mula choorna in the FBS
dose of 3 grams twice a day before food. Diet and · 70 to 120 mg/dl normal
exercise were strictly advised.
· 121 to 170 mg/dl mild
· 171 to 220 mg/dl moderate
Duration of Treatment: Two months.
· 220 above severe
Inclusion Criteria
Assessment Criteria
Patients between the ages 30 to 60 years of either gender
irrespective of chronicity were taken. Specific Subjective Parameters
biochemical investigation was done. Patients with Fasting For the assessment of the subjective parameters scoring
was given to all the signs and symptoms from Grade 0-3
Blood Sugar level between 120 to 180 mg/dl and Post
according to the severity and was documented properly
Prandial Blood Sugar level between 160 to 280 mg/dl
before treatment, and after 60 days of the treatment.
selected for the study. Patients who have discontinued
hypoglycemic drugs and first time diagnosed were Assessment was done based on the criteria with their
included. scoring. (Table 1)

Table 1: Assessment Criteria with Scoring

S. No. Criteria Details Score

1 Prabhoota Mootrataday (Polyuria) 3 – 5 times per day 0
6–8 times per day 1
9–11times per day 2
More than 11 times per day 3
2 Avila Mootrata Crystal clear fluid 0
Turbidity visible 1
(Turbidity) Buffy 2
Milky white 3
Atitrushna (Polydypsia) Feeling of thirst 7 – 9times/24 hours, either/or Intake of water 5 – 7times/24hours 0
3 with quantity 1.5 – 2.0 liter/24 hours
Feeling of thirst 9 - 11 times/24 hours, either/or Intake of water 7 - 9 times/24
hours with quantity 2.0 - 2.50 liter/24 hours 1
Feeling of thirst 11 – 13times/24 hours, either/or Intake of water 9 – 11 times/24
hours with quantity 2.50 -3.00 liter/24 hours 2
Feeling of thirst >13times/24 hours, either/or Intake of water >11 times/24 hours
with quantity
>3.00 liter/24 hours 3
4 Atikshuda Feels hunger at next Annakala only 0
(Polyphagia) Feels hunger for once in between Annakala 1
Feels hunger for more than twice in between Anna kala 2
Feels hunger always 3
5 No burning sensation in hands and feet 0
Kara Pada Daha (Burning Mild burning sensation in hands and feet 1
sensation in palms and sole) Moderate burning sensation in hands and feet 2
Severe burning sensation in hands and feet 3
Normal 0
Angamarda Mild 1
6 (Body pain) Moderate 2
Severe 3
Can do routine exercise/work 0
7 Dourbalya Can do moderate exercise with hesitancy 1
(Weakness) Can do mild exercise only, with difficulty 2
Cannot do mild exercise too 3

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Statistical Methods RESULTS

Statistical analysis was done using SPSS VER. 16. Eleven Effect of Root Powder of the Coccinia grandis L. Voigt
patients were taken for statistical analysis. Wilcoxon sign on the Patients of Madhumeha (NIDDM)
rank test was applied to analyze the significance of As mentioned above 11 patients were treated with mula
change in subjective parameters. Paired t test was applied choorna of Bimbi administered in the dose of 3 grams
for analyzing the significance of objective parameters. twice a day before food for two months.

Paired t Test

Table 2: Effect of Root Powder of Coccinia Grandis L. Voigt (Bimbi) for Objective Parameters

Signs and Mean BT Mean AT MD % of Change SD (±) SE (±) t* p value

Symptoms (Significance)
F.B.S 1.56 1.45 0.11 7.05% 15.07 4.54 2.37 0.03
F.U.S 0.70 0.25 0.45 64.28% 0.53 0.16 2.82 0.01
P.P.B.S 2.15 2.06 0.09 4.18% 19.78 5.96 1.38 0.19
P.P.U.S 0.97 0.47 0.50 51.54% 0.64 0.19 2.58 0.02

Willcoxin Sign Rank Test

Table 3: Effect of Root Powder of Coccinia Grandis L. Voigt (Bimbi) for Subjective Parameters

Parameter Negative ranks Positive ranks Ties Total Z P

N MR SR N MR SR Value value
PrabhutaMootrata 7 4.00 28.00 0 0.00 0.00 4 11 2.646 0.008
AvilMootrata 3 2.00 6.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 8 11 1.732 0.803
Pipasadhikyata 8 4.50 36.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3 11 2.449 0.014
Kshudhadhikyata 6 3.50 21.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 5 11 2.828 0.005
KarapadaDaha 9 5.00 45.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2 11 2.828 0.005
Dourbalya 6 3.50 21.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 5 11 3.000 0.003
Angamarda 8 4.50 36 0.00 0.00 0.00 3 11 2.449 0.014

DISCUSSION etiology in cardiac deaths. The aim of the present pilot

Effect of therapy on subjective parameters study was to evaluate anti hyperglycemic activity of
Prabhutmootrata between day 1 and day 60 was reduced Bimbi as mentioned in classical texts for its anti-diabetic
in 7 subjects which is significant (Z -2.646, p 0.001), properties. Bimbi possess Tikta, Katu Rasa (bitter-
Avilmootrata between day 1 and day 60 was reduced in 3 pungent taste), Laghu, Rooksha guna (light and rough
subjects which is not significant (Z -1.732, p 0.001), property) and Katu Vipaka. Tikta, Katu rasa mainly acts
Pipasadhikyata between day 1 and day 60 was reduced in as Pitta-Kapha shamaka7, Meda, Kleda Upashoshana
8 subjects and which is significant (Z -2.449, p 0.001), (dries up fat and moisture). Laghu, Rooksha guna
Kshudhadhikyata between day 1 and day 60 was reduced produces lekhana (scraping), rookshana (drying) effect
in 6 subjects which is significant (Z -2.828, p 0.001), and pacifies Kapha.8 It has Usna Virya (hot potency)
Karapadadaha between day 1 and day 60 was reduced in 9 which pacifies Vata. It possesses opposite qualities to
subjects which is significant (Z -2.828, p 0.001), that of Kapha and Medas. Hence they act as Mehahara
Dourbalya between day 1 and day 60 was reduced in 6 (anti diabetic) and pacify Kapha according to Samanya-
subjects which is significant (Z -3.000, p 0.001) and Vishesh Siddhanta (concept of similarity and
Angamarda between day 1 and day 60 was reduced in 8 dissimilarity). This Tridosha shamaka property
subjects which is significant (Z -2.449, p 0.001). (pacifying all three humors) of the d r u gs helped to
correct the Dhatu dushti (vitiated tissues) and
Effect of therapy on objective parameters Srotodushti (vitiated channels) leading other normal
FBS reduced significantly with the p value at 0.03 after functioning. Bimbi helps in maintaining the muscle
a period of two months. FUS reduced significantly with tone of urinary bladder because it is one of the best
the p value at 0.01 after a period of two months. PPBS Mootrasangrahaniya (Anti diuretics) drug hence it
reduced significantly with the p value at 0.19 after a reduces Prabhoota Mootrata. Atitrushna which is
period of two months. PPUS reduced significantly with dependent on Prabhootha Mootrata also subsides with
the p value at 0.02 after a period of two months. it.9 Relief in Karapadadaha may be due to its Pitta
Madhumeha (Diabetes mellitus) is a common disorder Kapha Shamaka so Dahaprashaman action may occur.
prevailing in the society. It is a chronic illness that Neuroprotective effect of Bimbi might have also
requires continuous medical care and patient self- provided the relief in this manifestation. Kamble et al
management, education to prevent acute complications has mentioned dried extract (500 mg/kg, p.o. for 6
and to reduce the risk of long-term complications. weeks), of plant exhibited anti-hyperglycemic activity in
Although a number of studies had been conducted on diabetic patients. Extract mimic insulin like activity and
Madhumeha with many formulations, still early improved the functional status of enzymes in glycolytic
diagnosis of this iceberg disease has found maximum pathway and lypolytic pathway. Bimbi ensues
focus in the recent days due to its high incidence as an Sarvadhatuposhana (nourishes all tissues) because of

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Cite this article as:

Vasavda Krup, Hegde Prakash L, Harini A, Mohammad Altaf. Anti-
hyperglycemic effect of root powder of Coccinia grandis L. Voigt with
special reference to Madhumeha: A pilot study. Int. J. Res. Ayurveda
Pharm. 2014;5(5):605-608 http://dx.doi.org/10.7897/2277-4343.055123

Source of support: Nil, Conflict of interest: None Declared

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