Premier research institute launches India's first ayurvedic anti-diabetic drug

Kozhikode: The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) launched the country's first anti-diabetic ayurvedic drug for type two Diabetes mellitus.

The drug BGR-34 is developed jointly by National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) and Central Institute for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), the Lucknow-based research units of CSIR.

Launching the drug at a function in Kozhikode, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-NBRI, Dr A K S Rawat said, "Six crore adult Indian population has been found to be diabetic and there is no effective solution for diabetes as yet. We are sure that eminent medical professionals will recommend it to their patients suffering from type two Diabetes mellitus for quicker and consistent response."

"The scientists of NBRI and CIMAP joined hands to develop an effective, safe, patient-friendly solution towards management of type two Diabetes. While the modern diabetes drugs are known for side-effects and toxicity, BGR-34 works by controlling blood sugar and limiting the harmful effects of other drugs," he said.

Dr Ch V Rao, Principal Scientist CSIR-NBRI said, "BGR-34 is a unique product that manages the lives of people suffering from diabetes. One of the critical ingredients is that it inhibits DPP-4 and enhances insulin secretion. The product has passed several battery of tests and showed hypoglycemic activity in experimental subjects."

For the purpose of quality commercial production and extended distribution, AIMIL Pharmaceuticals (I) Ltd, known for its innovative Ayurvedic products, has been transferred the rights and technical knowhow to produce and market it for medical use.

K K Sharma, Managing Director of AIMIL pharmaceuticals, said, "We have decided to launch this marvellous anti-diabetic product in the name of BGR-34, which stands for Blood Glucose Regulator, containing 34 identified active phyto-constitutes from herbal resources."

AIMIL pharmaceuticals already had a successful technological collaboration with Defence Research and Development Organisation for effective and safe treatment of leucoderma, still considered a big challenge.

The product for leucoderma was launched in the market in the name of 'Lukoskin', he added