Standardization and comparative efficacy of marketed polyherbal formulations in diabetes management

Aim and Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate and standardize six marketed polyherbal antidiabetic formulations: Jamun Beej Powder, Bitter Gourd Powder, BGR-34 Tablet, Madhumardan Tablet, Yesaka Liquid, and Jamun Vinegar (Sirka) Liquid, following WHO guidelines for herbal product evaluation.Materials and Methods: Diabetes has been recognized since ancient times, with references found in early Indian texts such as the Vedas, where it was termed Madhumeha (madhu meaning honey and meha meaning excessive urination). The modern term, diabetes mellitus, is nearly synonymous with this condition—diabetes meaning “to pass through” and mellitus denoting “honey-sweet,” a reference to the presence of glucose in urine. Natural remedies for managing diabetes have existed nearly as long as the disease itself. Numerous medicinal plants are known for their antidiabetic properties, attributed to active constituents such as flavonoids, terpenoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, glycosides, and other bioactive compounds that help regulate blood glucose levels. Standardization of herbal medicines is essential to ensure consistent quality, efficacy, safety, and reproducibility. This process involves the establishment of qualitative and quantitative parameters based on chemical, biological, and physical profiling. Formulations were subjected to in vitro antidiabetic assays, including α-amylase inhibition and glucose uptake by yeast cells. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to identify and compare functional groups present in the formulations.Results: The formulations demonstrated varying degrees of antidiabetic activity in in vitro assays. Based on the comparative evaluation across parameters such as α-amylase inhibition, glucose uptake by yeast cells, and FTIR profiling, Jamun Vinegar (Sirka) Liquid showed the strongest antidiabetic potential among all the tested products.Conclusion: Among the tested products, Jamun Vinegar (Sirka) Liquid demonstrated the most potent antidiabetic activity, outperforming the other formulations across multiple parameters.