A Comparative Analysis of Vamana and Shamana Chikitsa in Prediabetes Management: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Prediabetes is a condition before manifestation of diabetes. It is associated with biochemical change in body due to disturbances in food habits, sleep patterns and sedentary lifestyle. Conventional system of medicine has limitations, however Ayurvedic medicines can be effective for management of this condition. Objective: To compare the efficacy of Vamana Karma (similar to therapeutic emesis) followed by Darvyadi Kwatha (similar to herbal decoction) with that of oral medication of Darvyadi Kwatha with lifestyle modification in reducing HbA1c of the prediabetic participants. Methodology: After approval of IEC and registration under clinical trial registry of India, 40 patients were registered in two groups suffering from prediabetes in the trial. The primary criteria were HBA1c, FBS & PPBS along with secondary criterias like Agnibala (similar to strength of digestion and metabolism), Dehabala (physical strength) and Satvabala (mental strength) relief in signs & symptoms of Prameha and quality of life (SF-36 Score). Results: Statistically significant results were observed in both the parameters: (primary & secondary) within the group [VM group (HbA1c (< 0.001), FBS (< 0.001) & PPBS (< 0.001) and SM group (HbA1c (< 0.001), FBS (< 0.001) & PPBS (< 0.001)] and between the group [HbA1c (P < 0.01), FBS (P < 0.01), SF-36 score (P < 0.001) as well. Conclusion: The present clinical study suggests that there is significant improvement between the groups. On comparision, it was found that treating prediabete.s Shodhana was more safe & effective than Shamana.(c) 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Institute of Transdisciplinary Health Sciences and Technology and World Ayurveda Foundation.