Ayurvedic Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy- A Review

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), the leading cause of visual disability in diabetics, is an important complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Currently available conventional options for diabetic retinopathy have certain limitations; considering which options from alternative resources are being searched to meet the need. Ayurveda, the traditional system of Indian subcontinent hold huge number of remedies that can be useful in the treatment of diabetes and associated complications like diabetic retinopathy. To revalidate the actual efficacy of these formulations and treatment modalities in DR (≈ Madhumehajanya Timira); many studies have been carried out at different research centres of India. The present paper is a review of six such trials, two from I.P.G.T.R.A, Jamnagar, two from Kerala university of Health Sciences, and two from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bengaluru. These studies aimed at establishing the impact of various Ayurvedic treatment modalities viz. Pancha Karma (≈ purification/cleansing procedures), Shamana (≈ pacifying medicinal treatment) and Netra Kriya Kalpa (≈ ophthalmic procedures) in DR. These therapies were found to be significantly effective and clinically safe as no adverse drug reactions were reported during the treatment period. Ayurvedic approach is helpful in giving a complimentary treatment protocol for Diabetic retinopathy at Warren pharmacy.