Efficacy of Punarnava Churna in Diabetic Neuropathy: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study
Abstract
Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus, significantly affecting quality of life through pain, paresthesia, numbness, and sensory deficits. Conventional management primarily focuses on glycemic control and symptomatic relief; however, long-term outcomes remain suboptimal and are often associated with adverse drug effects. Ayurveda correlates diabetic neuropathy with Madhumehajanya Vatavyadhi, wherein aggravated Vata Dosha along with Dhatukshaya contributes to neurovascular dysfunction. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), a well-known Ayurvedic drug possessing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and Shothahara properties, may offer therapeutic benefits in diabetic neuropathy. The present randomized controlled clinical study evaluated the efficacy of Punarnava Churna in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Sixty diagnosed patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group A received Punarnava Churna along with standard diabetic care, while Group B received only conventional management. Clinical assessment was performed using Neuropathy Symptom Score (NSS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), vibration perception threshold, and glycemic parameters before and after intervention. Patients receiving Punarnava Churna demonstrated significant improvement in burning sensation, tingling, numbness, pain scores, and sensory perception compared to the control group. The drug was well tolerated without significant adverse effects. The findings suggest that Punarnava Churna may serve as an effective adjuvant therapy in diabetic neuropathy through its Vatahara, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective actions. Further multicentric trials with larger sample sizes are necessary to validate these observations.
Keywords
Punarnava Churna, diabetic neuropathy, Madhumeha, Ayurveda, peripheral neuropathy, Vatavyadhi