Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder of multiple etiology, characterized by chronic hyperglycemia with disturbances of carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both (1). The cost of diabetes care is high and escalating worldwide. The number of people with diabetes is increasing in every country. Half of the people with diabetes are not aware that they have it, and four out of five people with diabetes live in low-and middleincome countries. Half of the people who die from diabetes are aged less than 60 years (2,3).According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of diabetes in adults has increased worldwide, and the number is expected to rise from 135 million in 1995 to 300 million by the year 2025 (4). According to Rao et al., 32 million patients had diabetes in India in 2005, which might increase to 80 million by the year 2030 (5). According to Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, Chennai, this disorder is the most prevalent in South Asia, especially in India, which has earned the unwelcome title of the "Diabetes Capital" of the world with 41 million individuals with diabetes (6). The number of people living with diabetes in India currently is around 69.2 million (7).This disorder is frequently associated with long-term complications such as atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, chronic renal failure, and ketoacidosis. It is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality owing to its complications. Due ABSTRACT Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major health concern in the 21st century, which is largely preventable but remains responsible for millions of deaths annually and many life-threatening complications. The present study was conducted to evaluate and compare the efficacy of Withania coagulans Dunal and Eugenia jambolana Lam with that of standard control metformin in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus.This was a randomized open study with standard control. A total of 60 diagnosed cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomly allocated in the test (n = 30) and control groups (n = 30). Test drug, a combination of E. jambolana (6 g in powder form) and oral infusion of W. coagulans (10 pieces), and control drug metformin (500 mg) were administered to the participants twice daily for 90 days. The subjective parameters were assessed at every follow-up, blood sugar was recorded at a monthly interval, while hemoglobin A1c, RFT, and lipid profile were recorded at baseline and at the termination of the trial. The study outcome was analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. The test drug showed significant improvement at par to the control drug in subjective (polydipsia, polyphagia, fatigue, and weight loss) and objective (blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin, RFT, serum cholesterol, and serum triglyceride) parameters without any side effects or toxicity. The study inferred that the drug was safe and effective in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The use of Ḥijāmah dates back to 3500 BC in Egypt, with records in Ebers Papyrus. But in the last two decades, Ḥijāmah is gaining its due acceptance in the management of different neuromuscular and pain disorders. For sciatica, Ḥijāmah is advised over the sciatic nerve. Ḥijāmah with 2 cups (over the gluteal area and thigh/ over calf muscle and below the ankle), with 5 cups and even with 9 cups may be done in patients of sciatica. These different settings/ protocols of Ḥijāmah in patients with sciatica show a significant reduction in pain and disability. Ḥijāmah for lower back pain is indicated on acupuncture points BL23, BL24, and BL25 by application of 2 cups on each site, either simultaneously or in a phased manner (in 3 sittings on weekly basis; cupping at one site at once, followed by next point in the next week). According to the Persian traditional method, Ḥijāmah between the scapula (on day 0), then at the sacrum (on day 3) and over the calf muscle (on day 6) gives good results in lower back pain. Ḥijāmah (wet cupping) over the painful area of the neck with multiple cups (2-6) in a single sitting is the preferred method for non-specific neck pain. Even Ḥijāmah without scarification (Ḥijāmahbila Sharṭ) has a short-term effect in all such conditions, but Ḥijāmah (wet cupping) gives spontaneous as well as long-term benefits in almost all neuromuscular and other pain disorders. Therefore, Ḥijāmah comes as a better alternative with minimally invasive procedures for most neuromuscular disorders.

No abstract

Chronic tonsillitis is a common disease found worldwide mostly in school going children. There are many challenges in the management of chronic tonsillitis especially in refractory cases. There are many single as well compound drugs for the management of tonsillitis which are being used for a longer duration without any known side effect. A randomized open comparative study was designed to validate the efficacy of two very commonly prescribed formulations in the patients of chronic tonsillitis viz. Laooq Sapistan Khyar Shambari and Sharbat Toot Siyah. Laooq Sapistan Khyar Shambari 6 gm and Sharbat Toot Siyah 20 ml were given orally twice a day to the patients of Group A & Group B respectively for 6 weeks continuously. The data was compiled and statistically analyzed using chi square test and paired t-test. In test group A, maximum benefit was seen in Sore throat (p<0.0001, χ2 =48.81), followed by Irritation in throat (p<0.0001, χ2 =17.23), Pain in throat (p<0.0001, χ2 =17.23), dry cough (p=0.0002, χ2 =14.35) and dysphagia (p=0.0076, χ2 =7.12). In test group B, maximum benefit was observed in sore throat (p=0.0076, χ2 =7.12), followed by notable improvement in irritation in throat (p=0.0014, χ2 =10.15), and pain in throat (p=0.0098, χ2 =6.67). Although both Laooq Sapistan Khyar Shambari and Sharbat Toot Siyah are effective, but Laooq Sapistan Khyar Shambari is a better option for the management of chronic tonsillitis; as it relives most of the symptoms & signs very effectively and safely. Keywords: Chronic tonsillitis, Unani formulation, Laooq Sapistan Khyar Shambari, Sharbat Toot Siyah

No abstract