Ayurvedic Approach in the Management of Diabetic Neuropathy- A Review

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial disorder of metabolism which affects approximately 246 million people all over the world. According to WHO, India has been projected as the country with the fastest growing population of diabetic patients. Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common complications associated with diabetes mellitus, affecting approximately 30% of the diabetic patients. It is characterized by symptoms such as pain, tingling sensation, numbness, and loss of feeling in hands, arms, feet and legs. It can be compared with Prameha Janya Updrava, as it manifests secondary to diabetes mellitus. Objectives: This study will provide an analysis of the efficiency of Ayurvedic remedies in the management of Diabetic neuropathy by the review of already published clinical trials conducted on it. Data sources: Data was searched by using databases, which included Google scholar, PubMed and Ayush research portal, for explanation of the topic. Study eligibility criteria: In this review, only randomized controlled trials [RCTs] were kept under inclusion. Studies published within the timeframe of 2018-2024 were included. Studies focussed only on Panchkarma treatment without any medications were kept under exclusion. Results: Outcome was assessed on the basis of reduction in various scales like diabetic neuropathy symptom score, Neuropathy disability score, and complaints of pain, numbness, tingling and burning sensation. Most of the ayurvedic interventions showed significant symptomatic improvement. Conclusion: From this review, it can be concluded that diabetic neuropathy can be effectively managed with Ayurveda.