A Comparative Study of Effectiveness of Triphaladi Kwath and Nishamalaki Churna in the Management of Madhumeha

Abstract

Introduction: Madhumeha, described in Ayurveda as a subtype of Prameha, closely resembles diabetes mellitus. With its rising global prevalence and chronic complications, safe and effective long-term management strategies are urgently needed. Ayurvedic formulations such as Triphaladi Kwath and Nishamalaki Churna have been traditionally used for glycemic control, but comparative clinical evidence remains limited.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical effectiveness of Triphaladi Kwath and Nishamalaki Churna in the management of Madhumeha with respect to glycemic parameters and classical symptoms.

Materials and Methods: A total of 50 patients diagnosed with Madhumeha (type 2 diabetes mellitus) attending the outpatient department of TU Ayurveda Teaching Hospital, Kirtipur, were enrolled. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A (n = 25) received Triphaladi Kwath and Group B (n = 25) received Nishamalaki Churna for one month. Assessment was carried out before and after treatment using fasting blood sugar (FBS), postprandial blood sugar (PPBS), and classical Ayurvedic symptoms including Prabhutamutrata, Avilamutrata, Atikshuda, Pipasa, Kara-Pada-Tala Daha/Supti, and Daurbalya. Statistical analysis was performed using paired and independent t-tests.

Results: Both groups showed significant reductions in FBS and PPBS (p < 0.001). Mean reductions were greater in the Triphaladi Kwath group (FBS: 74.20 mg/dl; PPBS: 62.72 mg/dl) compared to the Nishamalaki Churna group (FBS: 29.00 mg/dl; PPBS: 33.60 mg/dl), though the between-group differences were statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Both groups also demonstrated significant improvement in subjective symptoms, with comparable efficacy.

Conclusion:Triphaladi Kwath and Nishamalaki Churna are equally effective in the management of Madhumeha, producing significant reductions in blood glucose and symptomatic relief. These findings support their clinical application as safe and effective Ayurvedic interventions for diabetes mellitus. Larger randomized controlled trials are recommended to validate these results and further explore their role in preventing diabetic complications.