2006-05-25 07:00:00
lKounteya Sinha - TIMES NEWS NETWORK

NEW DELHI: The world will soon have a herbal drug for diabetes, discovered, tested and manufactured jointly by Indian and Chinese scientists.

For the first time ever, Indian and Chinese doctors are jointly undertaking clinical trials to prove the efficacy of herbal plants from their respective countries, that offer a cure for diabetes.

India has shortlisted the plant gymnema sylvetra, known locally as gurmara booti for tests. The Chinese are yet to finalise their plant.

Raisins from gymnema sylvetra plant, found mostly in southern India, have been recommended for use for centuries in controlling diabetes. According to officials, gymnema sylvetra is known to reduce blood sugar, glycosylated haemoglobin and glycosylated plasma proteins.

The scientists in India and China will conduct their respective clinical trials on their chosen herbal plant and document its efficacy. In order to validate the results, they will then be exchanged and fresh clinical trials will be conducted.

Finally, once when the efficacy and safety of the product is established, the two countries will jointly produce a new herbal drug for diabetes.