Posted by timmichalak@hotmail.com on October 26, 2002 at 11:13:17:
Who knows?
Quack remedy for diabetes now gains scientific credence
TIMES NEWS NETWORK [ THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2002 11:46:52 PM ]
VADODARA: For a casual observer ‘marmijua’, a weed that is commonly found in Gujarat especially during monsoons, would mean little. But few can guess that this weed has the potential to not only cure diabetes but also to control the ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and promote the ‘good’ (HDL) cholesterol in addition to having antioxidant properties.
Though popular among the local quacks, for most it has remained a mere weed. But things could change soon with the recent findings of a research conducted at the M S University’s department of bio-chemistry that shows that the herb has potential to cure diseases that afflict millions of people worldwide.
Dr Sarita Gupta, reader and principal investigator at the MSU department of biochemistry said that ‘marmijua’ also called ‘chota chirayat’ is found in abundance in areas of Saurashtra and Vadodara.
She said her preliminary research has shown that it has potential to control diabetes, cholesterol and also has antioxidant properties. “We have now collaborated with The State University of New York at Buffalo for human trials and a more in-depth study. We have also received a central government grant of Rs 15 lakh from the Department of Science and Technology in Delhi for the research”, she said.
The MSU has also approached various pharmaceutical companies for a joint programme as the department lacks facilities for separation of a critical molecule from the herb, which is responsible for producing the beneficial medical effects.
“The herb needs to be tested clinically on humans for its efficacy. We are approaching various pharma companies to help us. They can provide their research and development facilities for the extraction process,” she says. “Once that is in place, the molecule can be used to manufacture drugs and only then can it be tested on humans.’
The study so far reveals that the herb, scientifically called, Enicostema Littorale, shows both Hypoglycemic (sugar controlling) and Hypolipidemic (cholesterol controlling) properties. Preliminary trials conducted on laboratory rats showed that apart from increasing insulin levels by 35 per cent in the clinically induced Type I diabetes animals, the herb was responsible for putting a check on the generation of free radicals.
Free radicals are responsible for slowing down the protective functions as well as the metabolic activities of the cell. Interestingly, the herb to a greater extent controls Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol levels, which is responsible for causing heart ailments. “The herb extracts were responsible for increasing the levels of HDL (High Density Lipoproteins) cholesterol levels and decreasing LDL cholesterol in the blood,” says Gupta.