Indian J Med Res
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A flexible dose open trial was undertaken in four centres in India to evaluate the efficacy of an Ayurvedic drug Vijayasar (Pterocarpus marsupium) in the treatment of newly-diagnosed or untreated non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). By 12 wk, control of blood glucose (both fasting and postprandial levels) had been attained in 67 (69%) of 97 patients studied, and the dose on which control was attained was 2 g of the extract in about 73 per cent of the patients, 3 g in about 16 per cent and 4 g in 10 per cent of the patients. Four patients had to be withdrawn from treatment due to excessively high postprandial blood glucose levels. ⋯ Other laboratory parameters remained stable during the designated treatment period of 12 wk. Also, no side-effects were reported. Hence, it is concluded that Vijayasar is useful in the treatment of newly diagnosed or untreated mild NIDDM patients.