Scientists at the Indian Council of Medical Research–National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) have developed a poly-herbal formulation derived from five commonly used spices to address complications associated with diabetes and obesity. The formulation is set to undergo human clinical trials to evaluate its safety and therapeutic potential.
The newly developed extract combines ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, amla, and turmeric in defined proportions. Researchers designed this formulation to go beyond routine blood sugar control and target metabolic disturbances that contribute to long-term complications of diabetes.
Unlike conventional approaches that focus mainly on glucose regulation, this formulation aims to intervene in multiple disease pathways simultaneously.
Dr G. Bhanuprakash Reddy, scientist at ICMR-NIN, told ThePrint,
Current medicines primarily focus on controlling glucose levels. But diabetes and obesity also cause long-term complications. This poly-herbal extract aims to target those underlying processes.
Dr G. Bhanuprakash Reddy, Scientist, ICMR-NIN
Diabetes and obesity are associated with chronic complications affecting the kidneys, nerves, eyes, and blood vessels. These complications are driven by mechanisms such as persistent inflammation, oxidative stress, and the formation of harmful molecules known as advanced glycation end-products (AGEs).
Current treatments for diabetes and obesity mainly focus on controlling blood glucose levels to prevent immediate complications. However, researchers note that this approach does not fully address long-term damage.
Even with controlled sugar levels, processes such as chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and the buildup of Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs) continue to harm blood vessels, kidneys, nerves, and the retina.
As reported by NDTV, Dr. Bhanuprakash Reddy, Scientist G, and team lead explained,
The management of diabetes and obesity must evolve beyond simple glucose monitoring. Our findings suggest that this poly-herbal formulation can not only control weight and glycemia but also effectively arrest the progression of long-term complications through multiple biological mechanisms.
Dr G. Bhanuprakash Reddy, Scientist, ICMR-NIN
The extract has been designed to target several biological pathways involved in disease progression:
It reduces oxidative stress, which contributes to cellular damage
It modulates inflammatory responses linked to chronic disease
It inhibits the formation of AGEs, which are associated with vascular and organ damage
It acts on the polyol pathway by limiting aldose reductase activity, thereby reducing sorbitol accumulation in tissues
Each component of the formulation contributes specific biological effects:
Turmeric contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory activity
Amla provides antioxidant support
Ginger has been linked to improved glycemic regulation
Cinnamon may enhance insulin sensitivity
Black pepper improves the bioavailability of active compounds
These combined effects are expected to provide a synergistic benefit.
Laboratory and animal studies conducted at the Hyderabad-based institute demonstrated that the formulation reduced markers associated with kidney damage, nerve injury, and cataract formation. Treated groups showed slower progression of disease-related complications compared to controls.
These findings supported the decision to proceed with human trials.
The formulation will undergo clinical evaluation under the MedTech initiative of the Indian Council of Medical Research. The trials are expected to assess safety, optimal dosage, and effectiveness over a period of up to 18 months.
The studies will be conducted in India, with coordination led by ICMR-NIN in Hyderabad.
Dr. Bharati Kulkarni, Director of ICMR-NIN, told ThePrint,
This initiative (PHE) marks a shift toward integrative health solutions. We are currently evaluating its efficacy in clinical trials to translate these rigorous scientific findings into accessible products for human use.
Dr. Bharati Kulkarni, Director, ICMR-NIN
Researchers have clarified that the formulation is intended to complement existing diabetes treatments rather than replace them. They also noted that the therapeutic effects depend on standardized preparation and dosing, which cannot be replicated through routine dietary consumption of these spices.
If the clinical trials confirm safety and efficacy, the formulation may be developed into a regulated adjunct therapy or functional food product. This could provide an additional strategy to reduce the long-term burden of diabetes and obesity-related complications.
(Rh/SS/MSM)
