Comparative evaluation of efficacy and safety of A Unani coded drug UNIM-221 and Metformin in cases of Diabetes mellitus type-II: A preliminary study

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. Available synthetic medicines have serious side effects, therefore, medicines of herbal origin have been widely used in therapeutic management of diabetes mellitus for a long time, and have received renewed attention of scientists globally. The present study envisages to evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of a Unani coded drug UNIM-221 with an allopathic drug Metformin in diabetes mellitus type II cases. The data presented is a part of multicentric, randomized and open level clinical trials conducted on 32 UNIM-221and 44 cases on Metformin at Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, Aligarh, during 2013-2018. The statistical analysis of data presented was done by using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dennett’s’ test and, p value of ≤0.05 was considered significant. The results were compared with baseline to different follow-up of two groups of diabetes patients treated with Unani and allopathic drug, namely, UNIM-221 and Metformin. We conclude that UNIM-221 has shown a significant and better relief in various symptoms of diabetes mellitus patients viz; polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, nocturia, fatigue, loss of weight, burning sensation in palm and soles and giddiness as compared to allopathic drug Metformin. Thus, whereas both the drugs do possess antidiabetc activity and reduce blood glucose level and HbA1c level, respectively, yet the Unani drug UNIM-221 has shown comparatively better rate of efficacy and safety and, therefore, recommended for long time use in diabetes mellitus type II cases without any side effects. Further studies are suggested on a larger group.