Sri Lanka Herbs

AYU-VOL. 30, NO.
4 (OCTOBER-DECEMBER) 2009 373

A Review on Herbs Used in treatment of Diabetes Mellitus
by Sri Lankan Ayurvedic and Traditional Physicians
E.R.H.S.S. EDIRIWEERA* W. D. RATNASOORIYA**
Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka.
ABSTRACT : Diabetes mellitus has no known permanent cure and is highly prevalent worldwide. In traditional
medicine and Ayurveda it is correlated with disease called Madhumeha. In Sri Lanka, Traditional and Ayurvedic
physicians treat diabetes mellitus very effectively. Information was obtained from traditional and Ayurvedic
physicians, Ayurvedic text books and old manuscripts. According to these, various parts of several herbs are used:
flowers (Butea monospema), leaves (Adhathoda vasica), fruits (Momordica dioica), seeds (Syzygium cumini),
stems (Tinospora cordifolia), stem bark (Ficus religiosa), root bark (Salacia reticulate ) roots (Oryza sativa),
aerial roots (Ficus benghalensis), rhizome (Alpinia galanga) bulb (Allium sativum), creeper (Passiflora foetida)
and entire plant (Scoparia dulcis). These are prepared in different forms like powders, decoctions, juices and
pastes. Decoctions are made using single or multiple herbs. Multiple decoctions usually contain hyperglycaemic
herbs such as Cyperus rotundus, Aloe vera to minimize drastic hypoglycaemic complications as usually evident
with allopathic drugs. In addition, patients are recommended to consume antidiabetic herbs as food or drinks: as
chyme (Osbeckia octandra), curries (Lassia spinos), salads (Centella asiatica), spices (Trigonella foenum-
graecu), fresh fruits (Phyllanthus embelica), or as a drink (Camellia sinesis). About one hundred and twenty six
plants belonging to fifty one families are used to treat diabetic patients in Sri Lanka.
Key words : Diabetes mellitus, Madhumeha, Herbs.
* Senior Lecturer, Department of Nidana Chikithsa.
E-mail:ayurvedadocsujatha@yahoo.com
** Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science.
INTRODUCTION
Sri Lanka has a long history of medical tradition
and the traditional learning of plant remedies for many
diseases including diabetes mellitus, persist until now. Sri
Lankan traditional and Ayurvedic physicians cure or
successfully control many diseases, including diabetes
mellitus, through herbal medicine. The King Ravana who
lived before three thousand years, wrote a treatise on
herbal medicine called Arka Prakasha, a book which
reveals a veryhigh in-depth knowledge and understanding
of herbal and natural ingredients and their effects.
Sri Lanka, is an island republic in the Indian Ocean,
lying off the south eastern tip of the Indian subcontinent
and located between 50- 100Nand latitude and 790- 820E
longitude. Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with monsoons.
The average monthly temperature in the island is 13C
to 31C (55F to 87F). The country, receives average
precipitation of more than 3,810 mm (150 in) to 1,270
mm(about 50 in) of rain each year. The natural vegetation
of Sri Lanka varies according to climatic zone and
elevation. Dense evergreen rain forests are found in the
south western lowlands. These natural gifts also help to
develop the knowledge in treatment by using herbs. The
Sri Lankan flora being very rich and diverse, has
contributed to the indigenous population accumulating a
vast heritage of traditional healing with medicinal plants.
Diabetes mellitus is a disease highly prevalent
in developed and developing countries. It is a chronic
disorder of carbohydrate metabolism marked by
hyperglycaemia and glycosuria; resulting from
inadequate production or use of insulin
1
.
According to Ayurveda, this is compared with
disease called Madhumeha. Aetiological factors,
Clinical features, and complications of Diabeters
mellitus and Madhumeha are very much similar.
Aetiological factors of diabetes mellitus are still
uncertain. Genetic factors, viral infections, life style,
over eating; especially when combined with obesity
and under-activity, are associated with the development
of diabetes mellitus. Ayurveda also describes that the
aetiological factors of diabetes mellitus are hereditary
causes and insalubrious activities. Defective paternal
and maternal germinal seeds that cause the disease
are considered as hereditary causes. Excessive sleep,
use of soft cushions etc. for a long period, consumption
of curd, milk, jaggery, sugar, food made out of fresh
grains, flesh of domestic and aquatic animals, use of
fresh rain water and also stress generated through
unsatisfied sexual urges are considered as Insalubrious
activities
2,3,4
.
Clinical features of diabetes mellitus are polyuria,
perhaps nocturia, intense thirst, polyphagia, weight loss,
weakness and lassitude, pruritis vulvae and balanitis
1
.
According to Ayurveda prodromal symptoms of
AYU-VOL. 30, NO. 4 (OCTOBER-DECEMBER) 2009, pp. 373-391
374
diabetes mellitus are accumulation of dirt on the teeth
(mouth, eyes, nose, ear etc.), thirst, dryness of mouth,
palate and throat, feeling of numbness and burning
sensation in the palms and soles, lassitude, matting of
hair, stickiness of the skin all over the body, sweet taste
in the mouth and crawling of bees and ants on the body
and urine. Clinical features of diabetes mellitus are also
described in Ayurveda. They are urine become sweet
(similar to honey), astringent (Kashaya), rough (Ruksha)
and pale in colour and depletion of tissue, whole body
become sweet (blood glucose level goes up). When the
urine itself becomes sweet and most probably even the
sweat will contain sugar, human sense may not be
sensitive to that. But insects, with their more acute
senses, would gather on the patients body and to places
where patient urinates
2,3,4,5
.
Diabetes mellitus is a disease well described in
Ayurveda and successfully managed by traditional and
Ayurvedic physicians in Sri Lanka. The present research
was carried out in order to collect and record the most of
medical knowledge which is scattered all over the island.
MATERIAL & METHODS
Method of data collection : Ethnobotanical
information was obtained from traditional Physicians,
Ayurvedic physicians and patients suffering from
Diabetes mellitus in Southern province, Western
province and Sabaragamuva province of Sri Lanka.
Data was also gathered from Ayurvedic text books
and old manuscripts.
Method of preparation of decoction : The 60
gm of dried drug or 120 gm of fresh drug are to be
boiled in 1920 ml of water until the volume reduce to
240 ml. The 120 ml of the decoction is given twice a
day.
Method of preparation of Khyme : Khyme is
prepared with selected herb is also given for diabetic
patients especially before breakfast. A thick gruel is
prepared by boiling a handful of red rice with water
and it is called Kada or Khyme. For this Khyme or
Kada juice of fresh herbs are added, stir well and boiled
. It is called Kola Kada and given for diabetic patients.
RESULTS
Many plants are used byAyurvedic physicians and
traditional physicians in treatment of Diabetes mellitus.
Some herbs are used only by traditional physicians. The
formulae were sorted, so as to showthe medicinal values
of various parts of plants as given in table 1. They are
listed in alphabetical order with the scientific names in
italic, followed by the families, Sinhala name, parts used
in medicine and method of preparation.
TABLENO. 1: PLANTSUSEINTREATMENTOFDIABETESMELLITUS:
Botanical Name Sanskrit Name Source of Part used in Method of preparation and
&Family & (Sinhala Name) Information Medicine administration
Abrus precatorius Gunja Book
24
Leaves Leaves of A. precatorius are pounded and
(Fabaceae) (Olinda wel) juice is extracted. This juice is kept for
four to five hours in a vessel to settle and
the sediment is collected. The 10gm of this
sediment is mixed with Bees honey and
given for diabetic patients.
Acacia arabica Babbula Book
21
Stem bark Decoction is prepared with 60 gm of dried
(Fabaceae) (Seeni Idda) Traditional stem bark of A. arabica and 120 ml. is
knowledge given twice a day.
Acacia chundra Khadira Book
21
Stem Decoction is prepared with 60 gm of dried
(Fabaceae) (Rathkihiriya) stembark of A. chundra and 120 ml is given
twice a day.
Achyranthes aspera Apamarga Book
23
Entire Decoction is prepared with 60 gm of dried
(Amaranthaceae) (Gaskaralhaba) Traditional plant entire plant of A. aspera and 120 ml. is
Review of Srilankan Herbs used in Diabetes Mellitus : Ediriweera E.R.H.S.S. & Ratnasooriya W. D.
AYU-VOL. 30, NO. 4 (OCTOBER-DECEMBER) 2009 375
Adhathoda vasica Vasa Traditional Leaves Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Acanthaceae) (Adhathoda) knowledge dried leaves of A. vasica and 120 ml. is
given twice a day.
Adiantum caudatum Mayurashikha Traditional Leaves Decoction is prepared with 60 gm of dried
(Pteridaceae) (ThudaWediya) knowledge leaves of A. caudatum and 120 ml. is
given twice a day.
Aegle marmelos Bilva Traditional Leaves The 50 gm of fresh leaves of A. marmelos
(Rutaceae) (Beli) knowledge are crushed.100 ml of water is added and
120ml of juice is extracted by squeezing and
15 ml to 30 ml of juice is given thrice a day.
Root bark Decoction is prepared with 60 gm of dried
root of A. marmelos and 120 ml is given
twice a day.
Allium cepa Palandu Traditional Bulb Bulbs of A. cepa are cooked and eaten
(Liliaceae) (Rathu lunu) knowledge as a curry with other foods. Bulbs of
A. cepa are pounded and juice is
extracted by squeezing. The 120 ml. of
this juice is given twice a day.
Allium sativum (Liliaceae) Lashuna Traditional Bulb Bulbs of A. sativum are cooked and eaten
(Sudu lunu) knowledge as acurry withother foods. Bulbs of A. sativum
are boiled in water and drink twice a day.
Equal amounts of bulbs of A. sativum,
leaves of M. koenigii and rhizome of Z.
officinale are ground together to make a
paste and this chutney is eaten with other
foods.
Alpinia Rasna Traditional Rhizome The 2.5 gm of dried rhizome given once
galanga (Heen knowledge a day.
(Zingiberaceae) Araththa)
Alstonia scholaris Saptaparni Traditional Stem Bark Decoction is prepared with 60 gm of dried
(Apocynaceae) (Gas knowledge stem bark of A. scholaris and 120 ml is
Rukaththana) given twice a day.
Alternanthera sessilis Matsyakshi Book
21
Entire Plant Fresh 50 gmof entire plant of A. sessilis are
(Amaranthaceae) (Mukunuwenna) cut intosmall pieceandpoundedwell. The100
ml of water is added and juice is extracted.
This extracted juice is given to drink. Aerial
part of the plant is cut in to very tiny pieces.
This is mix with scraped coconut, salt, and
tumeric powder. This mixture is heated on
a pan till it cooked and eaten with rice.
376
Anacardium occidentale Kajutaka Traditional Leaves Dried leaves are powdered. 50 ml. of hot
(Anacardiaceae) (Kaju) knowledge will be added to 5 gm of afore said powder
and keep about five minutes. Then strain
and drink.
Andrographis paniculata Bhunimba Traditional Entire Decoction is prepared with 60 gm of dried
(Acanthaceae) (Heen- knowledge plant entire plant of A. paniculata and 120 ml. is
binkohomba) given twice a day.
Anethum graveolens Satapushpa Book
29
Seeds Dried seeds of A. graveolans are powdered
(Apiaceae) (Sathakuppa) and 10 gm. of this powder is given twice a
day.
Annona squamosa Sitaphala Traditional Leaves Decoction is prepared with 120 gm. of
(Annonaceae) (Anoda) knowledge fresh matured leaves of A. squamosa
and 120 ml. is given twice a day.
Aporosa lanceolata Not known Traditional Leaves Tender leaves are eaten as a vegetable.
(Euphorbiaceae) (Heen Kebella) knowledge Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
dried matured leaves of A. lanceolata and
120 ml. is given twice a day.
Aporosa lindleyana Not known Traditional Leaves Tender leaves are eaten as a vegetable.
(Euphorbiaceae) (Kebella) knowledge Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
dried matured leaves of A. lindleyana and
Aquilaria agallocha Agaru Traditional Stem Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of dried
(Thymelaeacece) (Agil) knowledge stem bark of A. agallocha and 120 ml. is
given twice a day.
Artocarpus heterophyllus Panasa Book
21,23
Fresh Decoction is prepared with 120 gm. of
(Moraceae) (Kos (Waraka) ) Traditional matured fresh matured leaves of A. heterophyllus
knowledge Leaves and 120 ml. is given twice a day.
Averrhoa bilimbi Brihaddala Book
22
Fruits Fresh fruits as eaten.
(Oxadaceae) (Bilin) Leaves Fresh leaves of A. bilimbi are pounded and
juice is extracted by squeezing and 50-100
ml. of juice is given once a day.
Azadirachta indica Nimba Traditional Stem Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of dried
(Meliaceae) (Kohomba) knowledge stem bark of A. indica and 120 ml. is given
twice a day.
Bambusa vulgaris Venu Traditional Tender Decoction is prepared with 120 gm. of
(Bambusaceae) (Una, Kaha Una) knowledge Leaves tender leaves of B. vulgaris and 120 ml. is
given twice a day.
Barringtonia acutangula Hijjala Book
29
Stem bark Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of dried
(Lecythidaceae) (Ela Midella) stem bark of B. acutangula and 120 ml.
is given twice a day.
Bauhinia variegata Kanchanara Traditional Flowers Dried flowers of B. variegate boiled in
(Caesalpiniaceae) (Koboleela) knowledge water and given twice a day.
Benincasa hispida Kushmanda Book
25
Fruit Fruits are eaten as a vegetable. Plup of fruit
(Cucurbitaceae) (Alu Puhul) of B. hispida is chopped in to small pieces
and juice is extracted by squeezing. 60 -
Brassica oleraceae Patta Gobhi Book
29
Leaves Fresh leaves of B. oleraceae are eaten
(Burseraceae) (Gova) as a vegetable.
Butea monosperma Palasha Book
21
Flowers Dry flowers of B. monospema are pounded
(Fabaceae) (Kela; Gas Kela) and 12 gm. of this powder is given twice
a day.
Caesalpinia crista Kantaki Traditional Seeds Seeds of C. crista are powdered and 1-3
(Fabaceae) (Diya Vavulatiya) knowledge gm. of this is given twice a day.
378
Caesalpinia digyna Bakeri Traditional Root Decoction is prepared with 120 gm. of
(Fabaceae) (Vakirimul) knowledge dried stem bark of C. digyna and 120 ml.
Caesalpinia sappan Patranga Traditional Stem Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Fabaceae) (Pathagi ) knowledge dried stem bark of C. sappan and 120 ml.
Camellia sinesis Caha Traditional Tender Dried tender leaves of C. sinesis are
(Theaceae) (The) knowledge Leaves poured with boiling water and drink. It is
considered as a delicious drink all over
the world called Tea.
Canarium zeylanicum Not known Book
21
Bark Decoction is prepared with 120 gm. of
(Burseraceae) Kekuna Dik Traditional fresh stem bark or 60 gm. of dried bark
Kekuna knowledge of C. zeylanicum and 120 ml. is given
twice a day.
Carmona retusa Not known Traditional Leaves The 50 gm. of Fresh leaves or roots of C.
(Boraginaceae) (Heen-tambala) knowledge roots retusa are chopped into small pieces and
pounded. 100 ml. of water is added and
120 ml. of juice is extracted by squeezing
and given once or twice a day.
Caseria zeylanica Not known Traditional Stem bark Decoction is prepared with 60 gm of dried
(Flacourtiaceae) (Wal-Waraka) knowledge Root bark stem bark or root bark of C. zeylanica and
Cassia alata Dadrughna Book
29
Leaves Decoction is prepared with 120 gm. of
(Fabaceae) (Rata thora) fresh leaves or entire creeper of C. alata
Cassia auriculata Akuli Traditional Root bark, Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Fabaceae) (Ranawara) knowledge Stem bark Root bark, Stem bark, Leaves, Flowers
Leaves, and Pods of C. auriculata and 120 ml.
Pods is given twice a day.
Flowers
Cassia fistula Aragvadha Traditional Stem bark Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Fabaceae) (Ehala) knowledge dried stem bark of C. fistula and 120 ml.
Cassia sophera Kasamarda Traditional Bark Seed Decoction is prepared with 120 gm. of
(Fabaceae) (Uru thora) knowledge fresh bark of C. sophera and 120 ml.
is given twice a day. Seeds of C. sophera
are powdered and 5-10 gm. of this is given
twice a day.
Catharanthus rosea Nityakalyani Traditional Root Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Apocyna- (Mini-mal) knowledge dried roots of C. rosea and 120 ml. is
ceae) given twice a day.
Centella asiatica Manduka Parni Traditional Entire Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Apiaceae) (Gotukola) knowledge plant dried entire plant or 120 gm. of fresh
entire plant of C. asiatica and 120 ml. is
given twice a day.
Fresh entire plant of C. asiatica is pounded
and juice is extracted by squeezing. The
120 ml. of this juice is given twice a day.
Khyme or Kada is prepared with C. asiatica
is also given for diabetic patients especially
before breakfast. Salads are prepared with
fresh leaves and eaten with other foods.
Citrullus colocynthis Indravaruni Traditional Fruit Dried roots or fruits of C. colocynthis are
(Cucurbitaceae) (Yakkomadu) knowledge Root made into powder. 500mg. of powder of
fruits or 1 -3 gm. of powder of roots are
given to diabetic patients.
Citrullus lanatus Mansaphala Traditional Pulp Pulp of fruit of C. lanatus is eaten as a
(Cucurbi- (Komadu) knowledge fruit.
taceae)
Citrus aurantium Jambira Book
29
Rind Juice is extracted by squeezing the pulp
(Rutaceae) (Ambul Dodam) Pulp of the fresh fruit of C. aurantium and 50-
100 ml. of juice is given daily.
Coccinia grandis Bimbi Traditional Roots, Decoction is prepared with 120 gm. of
(Cucurbitaceae) (Kowakka) knowledge Entire fresh leaves or entire creeper of C.
plant grandis and 120 ml. is given twice a day.
Cordia dichotoma Shleshmataka Traditional Stem Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of dried
(Boraginaceae) (Lolu) knowledge bark stem bark of C. dichotoma and 120 ml.
380
Cordia myxa Not known Traditional Stem Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Boragina- (Lolu) knowledge bark dried stem bark of C. myxa and 120 ml.
ceae) is given twice a day.
Coriandrum sativum Dhanyaka Traditional Entire Fresh leaves are eaten as salads.
(Apiaceae) (Koththamalli) knowledge Plant Decoction is prepared with 120 gm. of
of entire plant or 60 gm. of seeds of
C. sativum and 120 ml. is given twice
a day.
Costus specious Kebuka Traditional Leaves Leaves of C. specious are cut into thin
(Zingiberaceae) (Thebu) knowledge slices scraped. Coconut, salt and very little
amount tumeric powder is added and
mixed well. The mixture is heated on a
pan and lightly cooked. This is called
Mallum and eaten with rice.
Kada or Khyme is prepared with fresh
leaves of C. specious and given for
diabetic patients.
Cucumis callosus Indravaruni Traditional Seeds Seeds are powdered and 10 gm. is given
(Cucurbitaceae) (Gon Kekiri) knowledge twice a day.
Cucumis sativus Trapusha Traditional Fruit Fresh fruits of C. sativus are chopped.
(Cucurbitaceae) (Pipiknkna; knowledge Juice is extracted by squeezing and 120
Rata Kekiri) ml. of juice is given once a day.
Cuminum cyminum Jiraka Traditional Seeds The 30 gm. of dried seeds of C. cyminum
(Apiaceae) (Suduru) knowledge are powdered. 120 ml. of boiling water
is added to the powder and kept about ten
minutes and given for diabetic patients.
Curcuma longa Rajani Book
21
Rhizome Dried rhizome of C. longa is pounded in
(Zingiberaceae) (Ath-Kaha) Traditional to a fine powder. Half a teaspoonful of
knowledge powder is given twice a day.
Fresh rhizome of C. longa is pounded and
juice is extracted by adding water.15 ml. to
30 ml. of juice given thrice a day.
Desmodium gangeticum Shalaparni Traditional Entire Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Fabaceae) (Undupiyaliya) knowledge plant dried entire plant or 120 gm. of fresh
entire plant of D. gangeticum and 120 ml.
Kada or Khyme is prepared with D.
gangeticum is given for diabetic patients.
Elaeocarpus serratus Aravata Book
22
Fruit Eaten as a fruit.
(Elaeocarpaceae) (Weralu)
Elephantopus scaber Gojihva Book
21
Entire Arka, a special method of preparing
(Asteraceae) (Et-adi) plant medicine is prepared with E. scaber and
given to diabetic patient 15 to 30 ml. for
a day. (To prepare Arka drug is soaked
in water over a night and distilled with
water).
Eleusine coracana Ragi Book
22
Seeds Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Poaceae) (Kurakkan) Traditional seeds of E. coracana and 120 ml. is
Evolvulus alsinoides Visnukranta Book
21
Entire Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Convolvulaceae) (Vishnu plant dried entire plant of E. alsinoides and
Kranthi) 120 ml. is given twice a day.
Ficus benghalensis Nyagrodha Traditional Stem bark Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Moraceae) (Maha Nuga) knowledge Root bark dried stem bark or root bark of F.
benghalensis and 120 ml. is given twice
a day.
Ficus racemosa Udumbara Book
22
Stem bark Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Moraceae) (Attikka) Traditional Root bark dried stem bark or root bark of F.
knowledge racemosa and 120 ml. is given
twice a day.
Ficus religiosa Ashvatta Traditional Stem bark Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Moraceae) (Bo gaha) knowledge Root bark dried stem bark or root bark or aerial
Aerial roots roots of F. religiosa and 120 ml. is given
twice a day.
Glycine max Raja shimbi Book
29
Seeds Seeds of G. max are boiled and eaten
(Papillionaceae) (Soya Bonchi) for breakfast or as a curry with rice.
382
Gmelina arborea Gambhari Traditional Stem and Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Verbenaceae) (Eth Demata) knowledge Root bark dried stem bark or root bark of G.
arborea and 120 ml. is given twice a
day.
Gossypium arboretum Karpasi Book
23
Seeds Seeds are powdered and 10 gm. of G.
(Malvaceae) (Kapu) arboretum is given twice a day with
whey water or Bees honey.
Gymnema sylvetre Meshashrungi Book
29
Fresh Decoction is prepared with 120 gm. of
(Asclepiadacece) (Bin nuga) leaves of fresh leaves of G. sylvetre and 120 ml.
the climber is given twice a day.
Hibiscus rosa-sinesis Japa Book25 Flowers Fresh flowers of H. rosa - sinesis are
(Malvaceae) ( Pokuru put into boiling water and kept for some
Vadamal) time to cool. This is used as a drink.
5-10 gm. of fresh flowers are given twice
a day.
Hygrophylla longifolia Ikshura Traditional Entire Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Acanthaceae) Kokilaksha knowledge plant dried entire plant of H. longifolia and
(Katu - ikiriya; 120 ml. is given twice a day.
Neeramulliya)
Ipomoea aquatica Kalambi Traditional Leaves Fresh leaves are cooked and eaten as
(Convolvulaceae) (Kankun) knowledge a curry.
Ipomoea batatas Sthulakanda Traditional Leaves Fresh 50 gm. of leaves of I. batatas
(Convolvu- (Batala) knowledge are cut in to small piece and pounded
laceae) well. 100 ml. of water is added and
juice is extracted. This extracted juice
is given to drink.
Kokoona ceylanica Not known Traditional Inner Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Celastraceae) (Kokun; knowledge bark dried inner bark of K. ceylanica and
Wana-potu) 120 ml. is given twice a day.
Lagerstroemia speciosa Not known Traditional Mature Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Lythraceae) (Murutha) knowledge leaves dried mature leaves or ripen fruits of
Ripe fruits L. speciosa and 120 ml. is given twice
a day.
Lasia spinosa Not known Book
21
Fresh A salad prepared with fresh rhizome of
(Araceae) (Kohila) Rhizome L. spinosa are given to diabetic patients
to take with other foods. Fresh rhizome
is cooked with coconut milk and given to
diabetic patients to take with other foods.
Khyme prepared with L. spinosa is given
for diabetic patients.
Luffa cylindrica Dhamargava Book
29
Seeds Seeds of L. cylindrical are powdered and
(Cucurbi- (Niyan Leaves, given 5mg per day.
taceae) Watakolu) Flowers
Lycopersicon esculentum Tamatar Book
29
Fruits Fresh fruits are eaten as vegetable or
(Solanaceae) (Thakkali) Seeds salads. Juice is extracted from chopped
fresh fruits of L. esculentum by squeezing
Melia azedarch Mahanimba Traditional Stem Decoction is prepared with 120 gm. of
(Meliaceae) (Lunu Midella) knowledge bark fresh stem bark of M. azedarch or 60
gm. of dried stem bark 120 ml. is given
twice a day.
Memecylon umbellatum Anjani Book
29
Leaves Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Melastomaceae) (Kora kaha) dried leaves of M. umbellatum and
Merremia emarginata Akukarni Traditional Entire Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Convolvulaceae) (Meekanpala) knowledge plant dried entire plant or 120 gm. of fresh
entire plant of M. emarginata and 120
ml. is given twice a day.
Mimosa pudica Lajjalu Traditional Entire Decoction is prepared with 120 gm. of
(Fabaceae) (Nidikumba) knowledge plant fresh entire plant of M. pudica and 120
Momordica charantia Karawellaka Book
21
Fresh fruit 50 gm. of fresh fruits of M. charantia
(Cucurbitaceae) (Karavila) Traditional are chopped into small pieces and
knowledge pounded. 100 ml. of water is added and
and given once or twice a day.
Fresh 50 gm. of fresh leaves are crushed.
leaves 100 ml. of water is added and 120 ml.
of juice is extracted by squeezing and
given once or twice a day.
384
Momordica dioica Karkotaka Book
21
Fresh The fruits of M. dioica are deseeded
(Cucurbitaceae) (TumbaKaravila) fruit and cut in to thin slices. Then these
are crushed and juice is extracted by
squeezing. 30 ml. of juice is given once or
twice a day.
Murraya koenigii Kaintarya Traditional Leaves Fresh leaves of M. koenigii are pounded
(Rutaceae) (Karapincha) knowledge and juice is extracted by squeezing. 120
ml. of the juice is given early morning to
the empty stomach.
Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of dried
leaves of M. koenigii and 120 ml. is given
twice a day.
60 gm. of dried leaves are to be boiled in
1920 ml. of water until the volume reduce
to 240 ml. 120 ml. of the decoction is given
twice a day.
Musa balbisiana Khadali Traditional Flowers Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Musaceae) (Ati Kehel ) knowledge dried flowers of M. balbisiana and 120
Nauclea orientalis Kadamba Traditional Stem Decoction is prepared with 120 gm. of
(Rubiaceae) (Bakmi) knowledge bark fresh stem bark of N. orientalis and
Nelumbo nucifera Padma Traditional Seeds Seeds of N. nucifera are powdered and
(Nelumbonaceae) (Nelum) knowledge Roots 3-6 gm. given twice a day.
Roots are pounded and juice is extracted
by squeezing. 10 - 20 ml. of juice is
given once a day.
Oryza sativa Shali Traditional Roots Decoction is prepared with 120 gm. of
(Poaceae) (Goyam; Vi) knowledg fresh roots of O. sativa and 120 ml. is
given twice a day.
Osbeckia octandra Not Known Traditional Leaves A salad is prepared with fresh leaves
(Melastomaceae) (Heenbowitiya) knowledge and taken with both meals for about a
week.
Decoction is prepared with 120 gm. of
fresh leaves of O. octandra and 120 ml.
Passiflora foetida Mukkopeera Book
22
Entire Decoction is prepared with 120 gm. of
(Passifloraceae) (Pada wel) creeper fresh entire creeper of P. foetida and
Phaseolus vulgaris Not Known Book
29
Pods Decoction is prepared with 120 gm. of
(Fabaceae) (Bonchi) fresh pods of P. vulgaris and 120 ml.
is given twice a day. Boiled pods are
given to cover the sufficient quantity of
the meal.
Pongamia pinnata Karanja Book
29
Stem Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Fabaceae) (Magul bark dried stem bark of P. pinnata and 120 ml.
Karanda) is given twice a day.
Psidium guava Not Known Traditional Leaves Decoction is prepared with 120 gm. of
(Myrtaceae) (Pera) knowledge fresh leaves of P. guava and 120 ml. is
given twice a day.
Phyllanthus emblica Amlaki Book
23
Fruit Fresh fruits of P. emblica are pounded
(Euphorbiaceae) (Nelli) and juice is extracted. 60 ml. of juice is
given twice a day.
Fresh fruits are eaten as a food.
dried fruits P. embilica and 120 ml. is
given twice a day.
Phyllanthus urinaria Bhu Dhatri Traditional Entire Decoction is prepared with 120 gm. of
(Euphorbiaceae) (Rath knowledge plant fresh entire plant of P. urinaria and
Pitawakka) 120 ml. is given twice a day.
Piper betle Thambula Traditional Leaves Two or three fresh leaves of P. betle
(Piperaceae) (Bulat-wel) knowledge are crushed and pounded. Juice is
extracted by sqeezing. Two teaspoonful
of juice is given twice a day.
Portulaca oleracae Lonika Book
21
Aerial Decoction is prepared with 120 gm. of
(Portulaceae) (Gneda kola) part fresh aerial part of the plant P. oleracae
Eaten as a vegetable.
386
Pterocarpus marsupium Asana Book
21
Latex One teaspoonful of latex of P. marsupium
(Fabaceae) (Gammalu) given daily.
Pterocarpus santalinus Rakta Traditional Stem Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Fabaceae) Chandana knowledge bark dried stem bark of P. santalinus and
(Rath Hadun) Stem 120 ml. is given twice a day.
Rauwalfia serpentine Sarpagandha Book
29
Fruits Fruits of R. serpentine are dried and
(Apocynaceae) (Ekaveriya) powdered. 2.5 gm. of this powder is
given twice a day.
(This is a drug which is widely used to
reduce hypertension).
Saccharum officianarum Ikshu Traditional Leaves Decoction is prepared with 120 gm. of
(Poaceae) (Uk) knowledge fresh leaves of S. officianarum and 120
Salacia chinesis Saptachakra Traditional Root Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Hippocrateaceae) (Heen Himbutu) knowledge bark dried root bark of S. chinesis and 120
Salacia reticulata Kundika- Book
21
Root Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Hippocrateaceae) kanikawalli bark dried root bark of S. reticulata and 120
(Kothala- ml. is given twice a day.
Himbutu)
Scoparia dulcis Not Known Traditional Entire Decoction is prepared with 120 gm. of
(Scrophulariaceae) (Walkoth- knowledge plant fresh entire plant or 60 gm. of dried
thamalli) entire plant of S. dulcis and 120 ml. is
given twice a day.
10 gm. of dried powder of entire plant
Sesbania sesban Jayanthi Traditional Leaves 2.5 gm. of dried leaves of S. sesban are
(Fabaceae) (Senehe Kola) knowledge powdered and given once a day.
Setaria italica Kangu Traditional Seeds Khyme is prepared with handful of seeds
(Poaceae) (Tana-hal) knowledge of S. italica by boiling with water and
given for diabetic patients.
Sphaeranthus indicus Mundi Traditional Entire Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Asteraceae) (Mudamahana) knowledge plant dried entire plant or 120 gm. of fresh
entire plant of S. indicus and 120 ml. is
given twice a day.
Kada or Khyme is prepared with fresh
entire plant of S. indicus and given for
diabetic patients.
Spondias dulcis Amrata Book
22
Stem bark Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Anacardiaceae) (Amberella) dried stem bark of Spondias dulcis and
Strychnos potatorum Khataka Book
28
Seeds Seeds of S. potatorum are ground with
(Loganiaceae) (Ingini) rice washed water and made in to a
fine paste. 10 gm. is given twice a day.
Swertia chirayita Kiratha Traditional Entire Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Gentina- (Kiratha) knowledge plant dried entire plant of S. chirayita and
ceae) 120 ml. is given twice a day.
Symplococos Lodhrah Traditional Stem Arka of S. cochinchinensis is given to
cochinchinensis (Lodra) knowledge bark diabetic patient 15 to 30 ml. f or a day.
(Symplocaceae) ( Preparation method of Arka is described
under E. scaber).
Syzygium caryophyllatum Jambu Traditional Stem Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Myrtaceae) (Dan; knowledge bark dried stem bark of S. caryophyllatum
Heen dan) and 120 ml. is given twice a day.
Syzygium cumini Jambu Book
24
Seeds Seeds of S. cumini are put into a wide
(Myrtaceae) (Madan) mouth earthen pot and heated while
stirring until roasted. Roasted seeds are
pounded well and 2.5 gm. of powder is
given twice a day pouring with hot water.
Stem Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of dried
bark stem bark of S. cumini and 120 ml. is
given twice a day.
Syzygium malaccense Not Known Book
27
(Myrtaceae) (Jambu) bark fresh bark of S. malaccense and 120
388
Syzygium samarangens Not Known Book
24
(Myrtaceae) (Pini Jambu) bark dried stem bark of S. samarangense and
Tectona grandis Sthirasara Traditional Stem Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Verbenaceae) (Thekka) knowledge bark dried stem bark of T. grandis and 120 ml.
Terminalia arjuna Arjuna Book
21
(Combrta- (Kumbuk) bark dried stem bark of T. arjuna and 120 ml.
ceae) is given twice a day.
Terminalia bellirica Vibhitaki Traditional Kernel of 2.5 to 5 gm. of pericarp of T. bellirica
(Combrta- (Bulu) knowledge the seeds are given twice a day.
ceae)
Terminalia chebula Abhaya Book
21
Kernel of 2.5 to 5 gm. of pericarp of T. chebula
(Combrtaceae) (Aralu) the seeds of are given twice a day.
Thespesia populnea Parisha Book
24
(Malvaceae) (Suriya) bark fresh stem bark of T. populnea and 120
Tinospora cordifolia Guduchi Book
23
(Menispermaceae) (Rasakinda) dried stem of T. cordifolia and 120 ml.
60 gm. of Fresh stem of T. cordifolia
are chopped into small pieces and
pounded. 100 ml. of water is added and
and 15 to 30 ml. of juice given thrice a day.
Tinospora crispa Not Known Book
26,29
(Menisper- (Titta-kinda) dried stem bark of A. chundra and 120 ml.
maceae) is given twice a day.
60 gm. of Fresh stem of T. crispa are
chopped into small pieces and pounded.
100 ml. of water is added and 120 ml.
of juice is extracted by squeezing and
15 to 30 ml. of juice given thrice a day.
Tragia involucrate Duralabha Traditional Entire Decoction is prepared with 120 gm. of
(Euphorbiaceae) (Wel- knowledge Creeper fresh entire creeper of T. involucrate and
Kahambiliya) 120 ml. is given twice a day.
Trichosanthes dioica Patola Traditional Entire Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Cucurbitaceae) (Dummella) knowledge Creeper dried creeper of T. dioica and 120 ml. is
given twice a day.
Trigonella foenum- graecum. Methi Traditional Seeds Seeds of T. foenum - graecum. are put
(Fabaceae) (Ulu-hal) knowledge into a wide mouth earthen pot and heated
while stirring until roasted.
Roasted seeds are pounded well and
one teaspoonful of powder is given twice
a day with water.
Vateria copallifera Ajakarna Traditional Fresh Kernel of the fruit of V. copallifera is
(Dipterocarpaceae) (Hal) knowledge fruit scraped. Scraped kernel is tied with a
piece of cloth and hang in flowing water or
a river over night to remove the bitter taste.
Following day this washed scraped kernel
is mixed with equal amount of wheat flour
by adding little amount of coconut. The
mixture is steamed and prepared the
food called Pittu. Pittu is a food eaten for
breakfast or dinner. It helps to reduce the
blood glucose level.
Wattakaka volubilis Sarvakshira Traditional Fresh A salad prepared with fresh leaves of
(Asclepiadaceae) Hemavalli knowledge Leaves W. volubilis are given to diabetic patients.
(Kiri-Anguna; Fresh leaves are cut into very thin slices
Thiththa and mix with little scraped coconuts,
Anguna) salt, lemon juice, chopped onions and
green chillies.
Xanthium strumarium Medhya Traditional Roots Decoction is prepared with 60 gm. of
(Asteraceae) (Wal Rambutan; knowledge Seeds dried root of X. strumarium and 120 ml.
Uru Kossa) is given twice a day.
Seeds are dried and powdered. 2.5 gm.
to 5 gm. of powder is given twice a day.
Zingiber officinale Shunti Traditional Rhizome Fresh rhizome is pounded and juice is
(Zingiberaceae) (Inguru) knowledge extracted by squeezing. 5-10 ml. is given
once a day.
10 gm. of dried rhizome of Z. officinale
is boiled with water and given.
Ziziphus mauritiana Badara Book
21
Fruits Ripen fruits are eaten as a fruit.
( Rhamnaceae) (Masan; Leaves Decoction is prepared with 120 gms. of
Maha Debara) fresh leaves of Z. mauritiana and 120
390
Ziziphus rugosa Not Known Traditional Fruits Ripen fruits are eaten as a fruit by
( Rhamnaceae) (Maha knowledge Leaves especially by school chidren in rural areas
Eraminiya) on their way to school.
fresh leaves of Z. rugosa and 120 ml.
DISCUSSION
Ayurvedic physicians, traditional physicians andSri
Lankan society especiallywho are suffering fromdiabetes
mellitus have a good knowledge on plants which can
control diabetes mellitus. Most of the people are able to
identify the plants which growin their living areas. Some
diabetic patients are used to take these plants to control
blood glucose level without an advice of a physician as
they are experienced with the effect of these plants
because their grand parents, relations are using. Some
patients use these plants to prepare salads, curries and
as a fruit with normal meals as a preventive measure to
control the blood glucose level. Most of the diabetic
patients have knowledge on at least two or three plants
effective to control blood sugar. The 90 %of the patients
have tried these plants as a vegetable or a medicine.
Many patients use more than one plant to treat the disease
bythemselves fromtime totime. Ayurvedic andtraditional
medicinal preparations are available prepared by
combining several herbs and metals to cure diabetic
mellitus.
The hypoglycaemic activity of some plants have
been experimentally demonstrated such as Aegle
marmelos
13,15
, Anacrdium occidentale
12
, Andrographis
paniculata
7
, Artocarpus heterophyllus
8
, Bambusa
vulgaris
8
, Cucumis sativus
19
, Cuminum cyminum
19
,
Ficus beghalensis
20
, Luffa aegyptiaca
18
, Osbeckia
octandra
8
, Memecylon umbellatum
9
, Mormordica
charantia
6,15
, Mormordica dioica
11
, Phaseolus
vulgaris
19
, Pterocarpus santalinus
17
, Salacia reticulata
15
,
Syzygium cumini
14
, Tinospora crispa
10
, Trignonella
foenum-graceum
16
.
We can conclude that in Sri Lanka, that traditional
and Ayurvedic medicines are still used and constitute in
fact very rich heritage, which is obligatory to keep.
Phytotherapy is a real tool of medicines for all people.
CONCLUSION
It canbe concludedthat inSri Lanka, that traditional
and Ayurvedic medicines are still used and constitute in
fact very rich heritage, which is obligatory to keep.
Phytotherapy is a real tool of medicines for all people.
REFERENCES
1. Davidsons principles and practice of medicine, Churchill
Livingstone, Medical division of Longman group U K Ltd.,
UK, 16
th
edition 1991, p. 658-678.
2. Sushrutha Samhitha text with Sinhala translation by R.
Buddhadasa, Department of languages, Colombo, Sri Lanka,
1962, p. 294-298; 483-491.
3. Charaka Samhitha text with English translation by Prof P.V.
Sharma, (ed and trans), Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, India,
1983, p. 269-274.
4. Ashtanga Hridaya text with English translation by K.R
Shirikantha Murthy. (ed and trans), Krishnadas Academy,
Varanasi, India, 1992, Vol. 2 : 92-99, 383-390.
5. Yoga Rathnakara text with Hindi translation, by V.L. Shastri,.
(ed), Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, India,1988, Uttarardha
p. 75-97.
6. Cakici,I., Hurmoglu,C., et.al., Hypoglycaemic effect of
Mormordica charantia extracts in normoglycaemic or
cyprohepatadine-induced hyperglycaemic mice., J.
Ethnopharmacology 1994, 44 : 117-121.
7. Ahmad, M., Pauzi, A. and Yusof, M., Hypoglycaemic effects
of Andrographis paniculata Nees., Aust J. Med Herbalism
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8. Fernando, M.F., Thabrew, I., Karunanayake, E. H.,
Hypoglycaemic activity of some medicinal plants in Sri
Lanka. Gen. Pharmac, 1990, 21 : 5, 779-782.
9. Amalraj, T. and Iganacimuthu, S., Evaluation of the
hypoglycaemic effect Memecylon umbellatum in normal and
alloxan diabetic rats. J. Ethnopharmacology, 1998, 62: 247-250.
10. Noor, H., Ashcroft. S.J.H., Pharmacological characterisation
of antihyperglycaemic properties of Tinospora crispa extract.
J. Ethnopharmacology, 1998, 62 : 7-13.
11. Fernadopulle, B.M.R., Karnanayake, E.H.,Ratnasooriya, W.D.,
Oral hypoglycaemic effects of Mormordica dioica in the rats.
J. Med. Sci. 1994, 22 : 137-139.
12. Kamtchouing, P., Sokeng, S. D., Moundiapa, P.F., Watcho, P.,
Jasta, H.B., Lontsi, D., Protective role of Anacrdium
occidentale extract against streptozotocin-induced dibetes in
rats. J. Ethnopharmacology, 1998, 62 : 95-99.
13. Das, A.V., Padayatti,P.S., Paulose,C.S., Effect of leaf of Aegle
marmelos (L) Correae ex Roxb on histological and infrastructural
changes in tissues of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Indian
Journal of Experimental Biology April 1996, 341-345.
14. Prince, P.S.M., Menon,V.P., Pari, L., Hypoglycaemic activity
of Syzygiumcumini seeds: effect on lipid peroxidation in alloxan
diabetic rats. J. Ethnopharmacology, 1998, 61 : 1-7.
15. Karunanayake, E.H., Welihinda,J., Sirimanne,S.R.,
Sinnadorai,G., Oral hypoglycaemic activity of some medicinal
plants of Sri Lanka, J.Ethnopharmacology, 1984, 11 : 223-231.
16. Alarcon-Aguilara, F.J., Roman-Ramos, R., Perez-Gutierrez, S.,
Aguilar-Contreras, A., Contreras-Weber, C.C., Flores-Saeenz,
J.L., Study of anti-hyperglycemic effect of plants used as
antidiabetics. J .Ethnopharmacology, 1998, 61 : 101-110.
17. Rao, B.K., Giri,R., Kesavulu, M.M., Apparao, C., Effect of
oral administration of bark extracts Pterocarpus santalinus on
blood glucose level in experimental animals. J.
Ethnopharmacology 2001, 74:69-74.
18. El-Fiky, K., Effects of Luffa aegyptiaca (seeds) and Carissa
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19. Roman-Romes, R., Flores-Saenze, J.L., Alarcon-Agular, F.J.,
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24. Daya, K.A.G., Vaidyarathnaya, Vidyodaya printers, Colombo,
Sri Lanka. p. 11.
25. Gunarathna, L., 1954, Pavula ath Veda Potha, Ratna printers,
Colombo, Sri Lanka p. 110.
26. Gunasena, D., 1987, Vaidya Jivaniya, Modern printers,
Colombo, Sri Lanka p. 52.
27. Rev Upananda, U., Godamune Paramparika Hasthasara
AushadhaYoga Samgraha, Samayawardena Pothhala, Colombo,
Sri Lanka p. 12.
28. Premachandra, D.W., 1934, Yoga Kauthukaya, Sithumina
Printers, Kandy, Sri Lanka p. 194.
29. Tissera, H. M. A & Thabrew, M. I., 2001, Medicinal plants
and Ayurvedic preparations used in Sri Lanka for the control
of Diabetes mellitus, Department of Ayurveda, Sri Lanka
p. 35-56.
30. mpcpdb.frlht.org.in/Nomenco_Bot2SK.html
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