Abstract
Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a systemic metabolic disorder characterised by chronic hyperglycaemia resulting from insulin deficiency or resistance, and its prevalence is rapidly increasing worldwide, especially in India. A major chronic complication of DM is diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), affecting up to 50% of patients and manifesting as painful “stocking and glove” sensory loss, autonomic dysfunction, and reduced quality of life. Although proven efficacious, there has been continuous interest in additional therapeutic options due to variability in response rates and intolerance. Sarivadi Lauha, a herbo-mineral formulation has been described in Ayurveda classics for Prameha (diabetes) related complications. Preliminary clinical observations of Ayurveda interventions for DPN have shown improvements in neuropathic scores and sensory thresholds, suggesting that Sarivadi Lauha may offer a viable adjunctive therapy for diabetic neuropathy management. Objective: To evaluate the effect of Sarivadi Lauha as an adjunct therapy on neuropathic symptoms and sensory nerve function in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), Biothesiometry, and glycaemic parameters as outcome measures.Methods: A prospective case series was conducted in five patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuropathy based on MNSI scoring and vibration perception threshold assessment. Patients received Sarivadi Lauha 500 mg twice daily for 90 days along with their routine anti diabetic medications. Clinical symptoms, MNSI scores, Biothesiometry, and glycemic parameters were recorded before and after intervention. Results: Reduced levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS), postprandial blood sugar (PP2BS) and HbA1c were obtained after taking medicine. Significant changes were noted in the MNSI screening instrument and Biothesiometer analysis, which suggest mild to moderate relief in Diabetic neuropathy. Conclusion: Sarivadi Lauha showed significant changes in the MNSI screening instrument, and all of them showed a lowered blood sugar level in T2DM patients. No adverse events were noted during the study time.