(a) whether a US study endorses Indian Herb Salacia Oblanga for the treatment of diabetes, lower blood sugar and insulin levels in a manner similar to prescription drugs ;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the manner in which the Government proposes to take benefit of the US study to control diabetes in India?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE( SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) &(b): A US study on the use of Indian herb Salacia Oblonga for treatment of the diabetes published by Heacock et al. in the January 2005 issue of the Journal of the American Diabetic Association reveals that Salacia Oblonga binds to intestinal enzymes which break down carbohydrates in the body. These enzyme turn carbohydrates into glucose, the sugar that circulates throughout the body. If the enzyme binds to the herbal extract rather than to a carbohydrate, less glucose gets into the bloodstream, resulting in lowered blood glucose and insulin levels.
(c): The herb is under trial. After completion of the study, India may also utilize the drug to control diabetic incidents, provided it is safe and without side effect.