Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT) has commenced animal studies for its drug developed using 42 herbs to treat diabetes mellitus. The studies are being carried out on albino mice by the Al Ameen College of Pharmacy. The foundation which allocates Rs 1.5 crore for research has also developed a unique herbal formulation to prevent and control osteoporosis.

The multi formulation for diabetes was developed based on classical Ayurveda literature and was taken for extensive preclinical studies on patients under physician guidance at its 20-bed Amruth Hospital in the FRLHT campus. “The drug has proven to be a success to treat both type-I and type-II diabetes. We have decided to go in for the formal drug studies beginning with the animal trials and human studies thereafter. We are hopeful the drug should be ready in 2010 end for the market,” Dr GG Gangadharan, joint director (Traditional System of Medicine), FRLHT told Pharmabiz.

For the pre-clinical assessment with the herbal formulation for diabetes, the patients were administered four tablets of one gram each. There is sufficient proof that the drug could control the condition which affects over 44 million people in the country, he added.

The Foundation’s research team has also developed novel drug for osteoporosis. This is a completely new combination which is prepared using ingredients form the local health tradition. However, the ingredients present in the drug are as per Ayurveda texts. But since the manufacturing process of the drug is not as per classical text, the drug should go through extensive toxicity and safety studies which requires clearances from our in-house Ethics Committee. Therefore the approach will be first animal studies and human trials after seeking the necessary permissions.

The osteoporosis drug contains one mineral and two plant based herbs. The drug is a unique formulation and if it is successful then osteoporosis can be eradicated because it is both a preventive and a treatment solution, said Dr Gangadharan.

According to the International Osteoporosis Association one out of eight males and one out of three females in India suffers from osteoporosis, making the country one of the largest affected countries in the world.

Further as part its therapy efforts, FRLHT is constructing a 100 bed hospital known as the Indian Institute of Ayurveda Integrated Medicine (IIAIM) with a Rs 22 crore grant from the Tata Trust for the infrastructure. Out of this Rs 2.5 crore is for the equipment and documentation processes.

In addition, the Department of Ayush has also recognized the Foundation as the Centre of Excellence for Geriatric Care. It has been permitted to publish the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. This will focus on the research and clinical practices and integrative approaches involved in alternative and complimentary systems of medicine, said Dr Gangadharan.