BGR 34 for Diabetes

CSIR-NBRI (NATIONAL BOTANICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE, LUCKNOW) and CSIR-CIMAP (CENTRAL INSTITUTE OF MEDICINAL & AROMATIC PLANTS, LUCKNOW), two laboratories of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have jointly developed Antidiabetic ayurvedic medicines BGR 34. BGR 34 is now available in tablet form manufacturing license given to Aimil Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. Indian Government has recently approved BGR 34 medicine for diabetes. BGR 34 tablet contains aqueous extracts and powders of ayurvedic medicinal plants, already used for diabetes in ayurveda. Now, these extracts are combined and clinically approved efficacy in diabetes and blood sugar control.

Naming of BGR 34

BGR stands for:

1. B – Blood
2. G – Glucose
3. R – Regulator

34 indicate presence of 34 active constituents in BGR.

INGREDIENTS & COMPOSITION

The main ingredient of BGR-34 is Daruhaldi (Berberis Aristata), which acts as blood glucose regulator and stimulating insulin secretion.

34 Active Constituents in BGR

BGR-34 contains 34 active principles and phytochemicals, which are identified and studied for anti-diabetic effects.

Berberis Aristata

Rubia Cordifolia

Trigonella Foenum-Graecum

Pterocarpus Marsupium

Tinospora Cordifolia

Gymnema Sylvestre

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF BGR 34

The following medicinal properties of BGR 34 are provided on the basis of ingredients present in BGR 34.

Main Therapeutic Action

1. Antidiabetic
2. Antihyperglycemic
3. Antioxidant
4. Cardioprotective (Potential DDP-4 inhibitor)

Secondary Action

1. Anti-inflammatory
2. Antipruritics
3. Antibacterial
4. Antimicrobial
5. Carminative
6. Adaptogenic

BGR 34 regulates homeostasis of glucose, makes insulin from pro-insulin, and helps reducing HbA1C levels in the blood.

BGR 34 BENEFITS IN DIABETES

BGR 34 medicine helps in management of diabetes by improving pancreas function, protecting from free radicals or oxidative damage to the cells, delaying glucose absorption from the food. Here we discuss individual ingredient of BGR 34 and their effectiveness and benefits in diabetes.

Daruhaldi (Berberis Aristata)

Daruhaldi is a main ingredient of BGR 34. Berberis Aristata root contains phytochemicals like:

1. BERBERINE
2. BERBAMINE
3. PALMATINE

The extract of Daruhaldi (Berberis Aristata) lowers blood glucose level in the blood significantly inducing anti-hyperglycemic effect. The main thing is that it does not have any hypoglycemic effect. The mechanism of action of Daruhaldi extract involves regulating glucose homeostasis. Daruhaldi increases the activities of GLUCOSE-6-PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE and GLUCOKINASE.  It also decreases the activities of GLUCOSE-6-PHOSPHATASE. All these activities play a vital role in glucose homeostasis. It also exerts antioxidant action. (1)

Vijaysar – Pterocarpus Marsupium

The aqueous extract of Vijaysar decreases both fasting and postprandial blood glucose level. However, its potential action is observed on postprandial hyperglycemia (high sugar level after meal). Vijaysar has significant antidiabetic potential. It corrects metabolic changes in diabetes. It may likely to exhibits insulin-like properties. (2, 3)

Gudmar – Gymnema Sylvestre

Gymnema Sylvestre is widely researched for its anti-diabetic action. It has potent hypoglycemic properties. It contains TRITERPENE GLYCOSIDES like:

1. GYMNEMIC ACIDS I-IV
2. GYMNEMASAPONIN V

Phytochemicals in Gudmar are likely to enhance insulin secretion from the pancreas. (4)

Gudmar extract shown reduction in serum glucose levels and improves body weight and food intake in rate study. (5)

Gudmar is also effective for obesity and help in losing weight. It improves lipid metabolism and decreases accumulation of fatty acids and triglycerides in circulation, liver and muscles. Therefore, it also exerts cardioprotective action in the body. (6)

Gudmar extract supplementation also had shown significant reduction in serum glucose level and glycosylated hemoglobin. Gudmar increases serum level of insulin. (7, 8)

Manjistha – Rubia Cordifolia

The aqueous extract of Manjistha roots also has good anti-hyperglycemic action. It is likely to decrease blood glucose level. In addition, it also exerts antioxidant action. It has antipruritic action, increases healing time in wounds, so it is also good for diabetic patients having ulcers or open wounds.

Methi (fenugreek) – Trigonella Foenum-Graecum

Fenugreek seeds are famous worldwide for diabetes control. It has potent anti-inflammatory action, good anti-hyperglycemic action and stimulant action on pancreas. It is beneficial in:

1. Diabetes
2. Abnormal Lipid Profile – Elevated cholesterol or triglycerides levels
3. Arthritis

Fenugreek decreases fasting blood glucose and improves glucose tolerance test. Urinary excretion of glucose also reduces after use of fenugreek (Methi). It is also likely to work on insulin resistance. (9, 10, 11)

Giloy – Tinospora Cordifolia

Giloy has potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, Immunomodulatory and anti-diabetic action. (12, 13, 14)

It is also beneficial in:

1. Gout
2. Arthritis
3. Diabetes
4. Digestive disorders – improves appetite
5. Fights off infections – builds non-specific immunity

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION

Patients already taking allopathic medicines

If you are already taking allopathic medicines (anti-diabetic medications), then you should start with 1 tablet twice daily. You also require monitoring blood glucose level regularly and when you see decline in your blood sugar level, you can reduce the dosage of allopathic medicines and increase the dosage of BGR 34 to 2 tablets twice daily under supervision of physician.

Patients already on Insulin

You need to start BGR-34 one tablet twice daily along with your current dosage of insulin units. Monitor your blood glucose level regularly and when you see reduction in your blood glucose level, then gradually reduce insulin units (2 to 4 units at a time) and increase the dosage of BGR-34 to 2 tablets twice daily under supervision of physician.

Patients already on Insulin & allopathic anti-diabetic medicines

You also require starting BGR 34 in dosage of 1 tablet twice daily along with current dosage of insulin and allopathic medicines. When you find your blood glucose level is under good control, then you can reduce or stop allopathic medicines, but continue insulin and increase the dosage of BGR 34 to 2 tablets twice daily. Now, continue BGR 34 for further several weeks and monitor your blood glucose level and HbA1C regularly. When your blood glucose level and HbA1C decline and show good control, you can reduce insulin units (2 to 4 units at a time) under supervision of physician.

I am recently diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. What is the appropriate dosage for me?

As described in the table above, if your blood fasting blood glucose level is less than 140 mg/dL, then you should start with 1 tablet twice daily and if it is more than 140 mg/dL, then you should start with 2 tablets twice daily.

EFFICACY OF BGR 34

BGR 34 is effective with 67% success in various clinical trials. The ingredients used in BGR 34 individually researched for effective and safety in diabetes in various individual research studies. All ingredients are reported having good results in management of diabetes.

SAFETY PROFILE

BGR 34 is found safe in clinical trials. All ingredients present in BGR 34 are safe and well tolerable in most of individuals.

Side Effects of BGR 34

There is no side effect observed with BGR 34 in clinical trials.

Pregnancy

No study or information is available on safety of BGR 34 in pregnancy.

Contraindications

There is no absolute contraindication of BGR 34 medicine.

Price of BGR 34 Tablet

BGR 34 Tablets are available in packing with 100 tablets having MRP 505 rupees, so one tablet of BGR 34 is about 5 rupees.

FAQs about BGR 34

Does it cause hypoglycemia?

BGR 34 does not cause hypoglycemia. It does not work as your allopathic medicines, but it acts as antihyperglycemic, not as hypoglycemic. The difference between both is antihyperglycemic only lowers blood sugar level when it is actually elevated from the normal levels only. Hypoglycemic medicines can lower the blood sugar level regardless the current glucose level in the blood and can also lead to hypoglycemia. Herbal drugs do not have such potency to cause hypoglycemia. Herbal medicines releases slowly, acts slowly, and stimulates pancreas function slowly, which can take several days to show the results. Only the regular use can help in management of diabetes with herbal medicines. It does not cause instant fall in blood sugar level or instant rise in insulin level.

Yes, in case you are also taking allopathic drugs, then you need to check their dosage and your blood sugar level regularly because if your blood glucose level is stabilized to normal, then current doses of your allopathic medicines should be reduced or stopped accordingly, or otherwise, it can result in hypoglycemia. This hypoglycemia is not due to herbal medicine like BGR 34, but it is due to inappropriate dosage of allopathic medicines along with it.

Is it compulsory that I have to take two tablets twice daily?

However, it is not compulsory, but BGR 34 is likely to work well in its optimum dosage as recommended. The dosage can be reduce or increased according to individual requirement as per doctor’s advice.

I was taking BGR 34 from several weeks and now blood glucose level is normal. Should I reduce the dosage?

You should not reduce its dosage immediately and yourself. It should be continued in its recommended dosage for at least 3 months. BGR 34 does not cause hypoglycemia when taken alone or in combination of other ayurvedic or herbal medicines.

Herbal medicines are required to be taken in their optimum dosage regardless the achievement in your blood sugar level or HbA1c. If you reduce the dosage immediately, it may result in treatment failure and your blood glucose level may increase again. The best advice is to gradually decrease the dosage under supervision.

Is it compulsory to take it 30 minutes before meal?

The best use of BGR 34 is 30 minutes before meal, which helps stimulating the beta cells in the pancreas to release more insulin. The insulin secreted is not get blocked and used in the body because insulin is required immediately after food.

However, it is not compulsory to take any herbal medicine or BGR 34 before food. It can also be taken with food or after food. It has slow action, but long lasting effect, so it dosage time does not have any major significance. It will provide almost similar results.

Will it not work if I take two tabs just after breakfast for few days to control my blood sugar post breakfast and post lunch which became high whenever I eat?

Yes, you can take it after breakfast or lunch, but it will not make any major difference because the action of BGR 34 is not similar to allopathic medicines. It is slow acting, but it has long lasting effects. It will naturally reduce postprandial glucose level, but this effect only appears after a few days of its use.

According to ayurveda deep concept, it can only occur when pancreas become weak to produce appropriate amount of insulin require for processing the food. As per ayurveda, in such case, herbs that provide strength to the pancreas and having rejuvenating properties like Ashwagandha should also be used along with antihyperglycemic medicines. Again the second principle, strengthening herbs like Ashwagandha should only be used in thin or weak people. If person is obese, then digestive herbs like Trikatu, Kutki, or Arogyavardhini Vati etc. should be used to lower the postprandial glucose level along with antihyperglycemic medicines.