“Palashaˮ A Curative Medicine in Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a worldwide grave health problem challenging physicians  globally. There are many factors that play role in the development of this  disease, including environment, nutrition infection, genetic predisposition and  side effect of modern drugs. Ayurveda refers to Diabetes mellitus as  ―Madhumeha. Among the Ayurvedic texts Charka[1] , Vagbhata and Madhava  have brought the word Madhumeha into use while, naming 20 subtypes of  Prameha whereas Susruta has used the word Ksaudrameha. Madhu, and  Ksaudra are literally synonyms of each other. But at a different place,  Madhumeha‘ too has been used and Susruta has devoted one complete chapter  to the treatment of Madhumeha. He has accepted Madhumeha to be the stage  of complications of Prameha. If only the literal meaning of the words is to be  seen Madhumeha‘ is the appropriate term for diabetes mellitus. The selected  drug Palasha (Butea monosperma Linn. Kuntz) possesses Tikta, Kashaya rasa and has Pramehaghna properties and actions, therefore drug seems to be  rational for treatment of Madhumeha. Palasha was proved to be useful and  harmless remedy for Madhumeha. Today, it is a challenge for scientists to  provide efficient, safe and cheap medications. In this scenario, Palasha can be  an exclusive medicine which is widely available throughout country.