Formulation and evaluation of safe and effective polyherbal antidiabetic drug

Diabetes is a commonly spreading disease in the world with Pakistan having prevalence levels of 30% approximately. The objective of this research study is to manage the growing problem of increasing diabetic levels in Pakistani population with a safe and effective herbal remedy, as the synthetic anti-diabetic medicines are generating intolerable side effects which could be reduced by this study outcome. Four plants i.e. Fagonia arabica, Moringa oleifera, Nigella sativa and Trigonella foenum-graecum were selected for formulation. The raw material was obtained from certified suppliers and underwent quality testing using standardized methods, then thoroughly mixed in the best combination and filled using capsule filling machine. The capsules were then tested for quality through phytochemical, physicochemical and phytopharmaceutical testing, FTIR assay, weight variation and disintegration test following standard methods. The safety was tested via acute oral toxicity test, while efficacy was tested through oral glucose tolerance test and anti-diabetic assay. The result indicated that the newly formulated capsules are effective against high blood sugar levels, comply with the pharmacopeial standards, and are safe enough as an oral drug. Further work on stability testing and toxicological studies are in progress which upon successful completion will open doors for clinical trials.