ABSTRACT

Objective: Ayurveda and Yoga have emerged as beneficial adjuvant in management of diabetes. This pilot study was planned to understand the concepts and assess the effect of a combination of Ayurvedic panchakarma and Yoga. Design: Experimental pilot study with pre post design. Subjects: Twelve patients with type 2 diabetes in age between 40 - 70 years (mean 56 ± 9.08) with no cardiac, renal or retinal complications. Settings: Residential Holistic Health Centre of S-VYASA. Intervention: A validated Ayurveda protocol comprising of panchakarma followed by maintenance therapy with a specific module of Integrated Approach of Yoga Therapy for Diabetes that included selected physical postures (asanas), pranayama, meditation, lifestyle change and yogic counseling for stress management. All subjects underwent a residential program for six weeks followed by therapy at home for 12 weeks. Results were analyzed using paired “t” test. Results: After 6 weeks, Fasting Blood Glucose reduced (p < 0.05) from 129.31 ± 58.11 to 103.54 ± 40.74 (19.93%), Post Prandial Blood Glucose from 191.69 ± 76.77 to 152.92 ± 62.06 (20.23%, p < 0.05), Total cholesterol from 209 ± 33.7 to 186.92 ± 23.36 (10.56%, p < 0.05), Triglycerides from 198.25 ± 94.78 to 151.25 ± 43.65 (23.71%, p < 0.05), HbA1c reduced (p = 0.014) from 8.79 ± 2.12 to 8.07 ± 1.77 (8.19%) in 6^th week and further to 7.63 ± 2.12 (13.19%, p = 0.001) after 12^th week. Oral Hypoglycemic Agent (OHA) drug score reduced from 2.83 ± 0.93 to 1 ± 1.27 (64.66%, p < 0.001). Symptom score reduced from 2.83 ± 1.02 to 1.66 ± 0.65 (p < 0.001). At baseline guna questionnaire showed six subjects each with rajas and tamas dominance. On post assessments, two subjects shifted from tamas to rajas dominance. Conclusion: This first pilot study has indication of a potentially beneficial effect of combining traditionally recommended Ayurveda panchakarma with maintenance herbs and Yoga, in reducing blood glucose and lipids. Long term RCT is recommended.

1. Introduction

Diabetes mellitus imposes a sizeable burden globally in terms of early mortality, morbidity, and health care costs. The incidence of diabetes worldwide was likely to be 2.8% in 2000 and expected to rise to 4.4% by 2030, and above three-quarters of people with diabetes would be living in developing countries [1]. Diabetes mellitus (madhumeha) was known to ancient Indian physicians with detailed description of its clinical features and management protocols [2]. Ayurveda is a comprehensive system of traditional health care, which originated in India approximately three thousand years ago. Its unique holistic approach appears to have become relevant today due to the increasing prevalence of non communicable diseases. This science of life deals with body, mind, and spirit as a single entity with clear understanding of the techniques of managing them. Ancient Ayurveda classics by Charaka, Sushruta, and Vagbhata contain ample literature about Prameha and its treatment. Prameha is a metabolic disorder and is diagnosed mainly with the help of signs and symptoms related to “Mutra” (Urine). Genetic predisposition with sedentary life style, injudicious intake of food, and stress are recognized as some of the important etiological factors of Prameha, [3]. The diagnosis and management of diabetes (madhumeha) is based on tridosa (bodily humor) theory which says that kapha (phlegm), pitta (bile) and vata (wind) are the basic pillars of life [4]; balanced functioning of these tridosas is health and imbalance is disease [5]. A disturbance in the doshas precedes the genesis of various pathological states which results to 20 types of Prameha where finally diabetes (madhumeha) is one of the chronic type of Prameha. Thus, the primary aim in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a disease is to detect the degree of vitiation in these doshas.

Several studies have shown the beneficial effects of Ayurveda in T2DM with significant reduction in Glycosylated Haemoglobin (HbA1c), Fasting and Post Prandial Blood Glucose (FBG, PPBG) levels and lipids [6-8]. A study by Ahmed et al. that treated diabetic rats with the fruit juice of Momordia charantia has reported regeneration or increase in the number of beta cells [9], which appears to offer some evidence to the additional benefits of Ayurveda because none of the conventional Oral Hypoglycemic Agents (OHA) exhibit this property. Momordia charantia also has exhibited extra-pancreatic effects with improved peripheral glucose utilization [10]. Recent studies [11,12] have described the role of a few herbs like Trigonella foenum graecum and Tinospora cordifolia on activities of enzymes involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. In animal based studies, herbs like Curcuma longa have shown reduction in dyslipidemia in diabetics [13] through its effect on lipid peroxidation [14].

Ayurveda being a holistic science, it has to be practiced as a whole science including several steps of management and cannot be given only as one capsule of a proven herbal preparation. Hence it was necessary to review the classical texts and compile them to present a holistic management protocol in the form of flow chart with different steps, which was finally done and sent for validation from various Ayurveda experts [15].

Yoga is also one of the modalities in Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) which is an integral part of Ayurveda (mentioned in classical texts) [16]. Yoga is found to be very effective as a complimentary treatment for type 2 diabetes in several studies [17-19]. Studies have demonstrated significant reduction in FBG, PPBG [20-22] Glycosylated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) [22], improvement in nerve functions [22], reduction in oral glycemic agents [23] and Body Mass Index (BMI) [24] after the practice of Yoga.

Multiple factors involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes demands a multi-modal remedial approach [25]. Although there are many studies that reveal the efficacy of CAM modalities, there are very few studies which report the efficacy of these modalities when used together. Since there are ample evidences that Ayurveda can be a potential complimentary therapy for diabetes [6-8], it would be worthwhile to test its efficacy when combined with Yoga, which is also one of the CAM modalities having large number evidence based studies supporting its effect in type 2 diabetes.

Hence this pilot study was planned with an intention of assessing the feasibility and safety of this residential Ayurveda and Yoga therapy before launching a controlled study on a larger population.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Subjects

Twelve (n = 12) subjects (7 female, 5 male) in age range of 40 - 70 years (mean 56 ± 9.08) with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) were recruited for the study. The sample size was calculated based on an effect size (Cohen’s effect size, ε = 2.45) obtained from a previous study of changes following the practices of Yoga in DM patients [16]. It was calculated using G*Power software, Version 3.0.10, where the level was 0.05 and power = 0.95 and the recommended sample size was twelve. Thus, a sample size of twelve was recruited for the present study. Subjects who satisfied the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria for T2DM [26], not practicing Yoga for at least previous three months and willing to participate in the trial were included. Those with cardiac complications and nephropathy were excluded after checking ECG, FBG, blood urea, and creatinin. Those with proliferative retinopathy (screened by an ophthalmologist) and had practiced Yoga in the recent past (three months) were also excluded. Ethical clearance was obtained from institutional ethical committee. Signed informed consent was obtained from all subjects.

2.2. Design

This was an experimental pilot study with a pre post design in a single group.

2.3. Methods

All subjects went through a daily routine (Table 1) that included Integrated Approach of Yoga Therapy for Diabetes (IAYTD) along with a progressive plan of panchakarma (purificatory therapy) and maintenance herbs.

The protocol had the flexibility for changes in medication or Yoga practices based on their daily response assessments. After admission, first week was planned for stabilization of the baseline parameters without any intervention. The fasting (12-hr) blood sample was obtained via a veni-puncture in the arm with the individual in an upright position and after at least 5min in a resting state. Supervised intervention with strict adherence to the schedule was followed from the beginning of second to end of fifth week. The clinical progress was monitored daily by one Ayurveda and one allopathic physician; therapies were carried out by certified therapists and documentation was done by the research team. The subjects were monitored daily for symptoms scores, medication scores (number of OHA tablets per day), pulse rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and blood glucose (glucometer). Diet was planned based on nutritional and dosha assessments. Post assessments were done in sixth week when the patients continued to remain in the campus attending the same daily routine on their own without instructions by the therapists. After discharge they were given the diet chart, personalized Yoga chart with instruction DVD, and maintenance medication. Home

Table 1. Ayurveda protocol.

practice was monitored up to 12 weeks by regular motivating phone calls. HbA1c was assessed at the end of twelfth week.

2.4. Intervention

A validated Ayurveda protocol developed on the basis of classical scriptural references was used which included panchakarma followed by maintenance medication (Table 2). Along with Ayurveda protocol, the module of Integrated Approach of Yoga Therapy (IAYTD) for diabetes comprised of Yogasanas, Pranayama, meditation and lectures as used in our two earlier studies in India [23,34] and UK [17] (Table 3).

2.5. Outcome Measures

Ama, agni and kostha were assessed at baseline using a check list prepared for the purpose of this study based on guidelines in classical texts. Agni was scored on a three point scale 1 = mandagni (less digestive capacity), 2 = madhyagni (medium digestive capacity) and 3 = pravaragni (more digestive capacity). The end point of the cleansing procedure was considered to be when ama score reached a balanced score of 1. Koshta (colonic sensitivity) was assessed based on seven questions with three response choices. A total score of 1 to 7 indicates mrudu koshta (more colonic sensitivity), 8 to 18 madhyam koshta (medium colonic sensitivity) and 19 to 21 krura koshta (less colonic sensitivity). These assessments were done at baseline and daily for assessing the effect of panchakarma procedure.

Table 2. Daily schedule of subjects.

2.5.1. Symptom Score

The average severity of all symptoms documented before and after the 6 weeks was recorded. Severity was scored on a 4-point scale of 0 - 3 (0 = nil, 1-mild not disturbing the daily routine, 2 = moderate-disturbs routine requires symptomatic medication, 3 = severe-require hospitalization or parenteral medication).

2.5.2. Medication Score

Number of tables of Oral Hypoglycemic Agent (OHA)/day; 1 tablet = the standard strength each for adults quoted in pharmacopeia index e.g. one tablet of Metformin = 500 mg.

2.5.3. Guna Assessment

The G-Inventory [35] (GI) assessed the shift of guna dominance after the intervention. GI is a measure of the

Table 3 Demographic details of the subject

^**F—Father, M—Mother, B—Brother, S—Sister, GF—Grandfather, GM—Grandmother, N—Nil history.

three gunas (sattva, rajas and tamas) and contains ten questions with three response choices. A total score of above 28 indicates sattva, 24 to 28 rajas and <24 tamas. This test has a test retest reliability of 0.60 with a confidence level of 99% and has been validated. Biochemical parameters: these included Fasting (FBG) and Post Prandial Blood Glucose (PPBG), HbA1c and lipid profile determined at baseline and at the end of 6^th week. HbA1c was repeated at end of 12^th week. A semi-auto analyzer was used for the biochemical measurements. Blood Glucose was determined by enzymatic oxidation method using glucose peroxidase [36]. HbA1c was estimated by glucose oxidase method and cation-exchange resin method [37]. Cholesterol was determined after enzymatic hydrolysis and oxidation [38]. Triglycerides were determined after enzymatic splitting with lipoprotein lipase. Indicator for the same was generated from 4-aminoantipyrine and 4-chlorophenol by hydrogen peroxide under the catalytic action of peroxidase. LDL-VLDL Cholesterol was determined by using Friedewald’s equation [39].

3. Statistical Analysis

Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0; checked for normal distribution by Shapiro Wilk’s test. As the data were normally distributed for all variables student’s paired samples “t” test was used with a significance value set at 0.05 for two-sided hypothesis testing.

4. Results

Table 3 gives the demographic characteristics of subjects.

The mean age was 56 ± 9.08 years. None had cardiac, renal or retinal complications. There were no drop outs in this study. At baseline, 2 subjects had madhyam ama and 10 had pravara ama, while 10 subjects had manda agni and 2 had madhyam agni and 3 subjects had mrudu kostha, 7 had madhyam kostha and 2 had krura kostha. Table 4 shows the results after the intervention.

After 6 weeks of intervention, the symptom score reduced from 2.83 ± 1.02 to 1.66 ± 0.65 (p < 0.001). OHA score reduced (p < 0.001) from 2.83 ± 0.93 to 1 ± 1.27 (64.66%). FBG reduced (p < 0.05) from 129.31 ± 58.11 to 103.54 ± 40.74 (19.93%). PPBG decreased from 191.69 ± 76.77 to 152.92 ± 62.06 (20.23%, p < 0.05). HbA1c reduced (p = 0.014) from 8.79 ± 2.12 to 8.07± 1.77 (8.19%) in 6^th week. It reduced further to 7.63 ± 2.12 (13.19%, p = 0.001) after 12^th week. At baseline guna questionnaire showed 6 subjects each with rajas and tamas dominance. On post assessments, two subjects shifted from tamas to rajas dominance. All of them had balanced functioning of agni, ama and kostha at the end of 6 weeks.

Lipid profile: Total Cholesterol decreased significantly (p < 0.05) from 209 ± 33.7 to 186.92 ± 23.36 (10.56%). Triglycerides reduced (p < 0.05) from 198.25 ± 94.78 to 151.25 ± 43.65 (23.71%). There was non-significant reduction in the levels of LDL, VLDL and HDL.

5. Discussion

This pilot study on twelve subjects with T2DM has shown significant reduction in FBG, PPBG, HbA1c, TC and TG along with reduction in oral hypoglycemic

Table 4. Results after the intervention.

^*p < 0.05, ^**p < 0.01, ^***p < 0.001, baseline data compared with the post data using a paired “t” test. Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), Post Prandial Blood Glucose (PPBG), Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c), Total Cholesterol (TC), Total Triglycerides (TG), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL). ^#Note: These significant values stated are based on single group pre comparison to post. There is no control group which is an imitation of this study and that can also effect p-values when compared with control groups in main efficacy study.

medication and balanced functioning of agni, ama and kostha after six weeks of residential intervention using Yoga and Ayurveda.

5.1. Comparisons

To the best of our knowledge, there are no studies which report the effect of a combination of Yoga and Ayurveda (panchakarma and maintenance therapy) although there are studies on these two therapeutic modalities used independently in comparison to conventional medicine. Kumari et al. [8]. Assessed the effect of panchakarma followed by maintenance ayurvedic herbal therapy in forty two subjects with T2DM, which showed significant reduction in FBG and PPBG by 10.2% and 6.4% respectively after one month of intervention. In one of our earlier Yoga studies we had observed a decrease in FBG and HbA1c by 6.9% and 15.5% after an integrated Yoga protocol in a control study on diabetics in London [17]. Sahay et al. showed that Yoga was effective in reducing TC (by 0.47%) and TG (by 18.03%) [25]. In comparison, the present study has shown reduction in mean values of FBG (19.9%), PPBG (20.2%), HbA1c (13.2%), TC (10.6%), and TG (23.7%). These values (except HbA1c) showed higher magnitude of change than the independent Yoga or Ayurveda studies. There are other studies on Ayurveda in T2DM that have shown encouraging results. Elder et al. randomized 60 adults with newly diagnosed T2DM (baseline HbA1c of 6.0 to 8.0) into experimental and control groups. The Ayurveda protocol included Ayurvedic diet, meditation and Ayurvedic herbal supplement (MA 471). The results showed significant difference between groups (ANCOVA) in HbA1c, FBG, TC, LDL and body weight in those who had higher baseline HbA1c [6]. Saxena and Vikram reviewed the accumulated literature on ten herbs with antidiabetic activity and reported that momordica charantia, pterocarpus marsupium and trigonella foenum greacum have beneficial effects in treating T2DM [40]. The results of many other studies on Yoga are also consistent with the outcomes of present study [17]. Yoga nidra (a form of guided relaxation) resulted in decreased FBG, PPBG, in patients with T2DM [41]. Looking at cardiac functions Singh et al. showed that training in Yoga asanas for forty days in 24 T2DM decreased their pulse rate, blood pressure, and Corrected QT interval in addition to decrease in FBG (25.5%), PPBG (27.03%) and HbA1c (13.3%) [42]. A randomized control study that used Nadishodhana Pranayama and Sun Salutation for 5 weeks in twenty T2DM has shown significant decrease in plasma glucose, serum cortisol and serum Malone-Di-Aldehyde (MDA) levels and a significant increase in serum Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD) activity, more prominently in those who has poor glycemic control [43].

5.2. Mechanism

According to the present day molecular biological understanding of T2DM, the etiology is traceable to erratic life style that promotes expression of the diabetes related genes [44]; this results in a series of imbalances [calorie intake-out put = obesity, adipoleptin-nectin = IR; [45] proinflammatory—anti-inflammatory cytokines = tissue inflammation [46] resulting in insulin resistance which in turn is responsible for the biochemical changes and the clinical manifestations. Thus, the benefits may be traced to reduction in oxidative stress mediators, modified HPA axis [47], reduction in adipoleptin [48], and pro-inflammatory cytokines [49] that are known to induce IR. The mechanism described by Yoga and Ayurveda offers a different model of understanding T2DM. Accordingly, diabetes is the effect of erratic life style that has resulted from lack of mastery over the mind and wrong notion about the meaning and purpose of life (prajnaparadha). The flow chart in Table 5 shows the pathogenesis of T2DM. Yoga masters proposed that the human system is made of five levels of subtle bodies [annamaya (physical), pranamaya (vital energy), manomaya (mental), vijnanamaya (intellectual) and anandamaya (bliss) kosas] [50]. Three gunas (satva, rajas and tamas) that grossify into three doshas (vata, pitta and kapha) constitute the physical body (annamaya kosha). Man is in best of health when there is a balanced functioning of the tridosas which is possible when the mind is in a state of satva (freedom from stress) and established in anandamaya kosha. T2DM, madhumeha [8] is a tridoshaja vyadhi, i.e. there is vitiation of all three dosas which is preceded by imbalance of the three gunas [dominance of tamas and/or rajas]. T2DM, a life style disease (samanya adhija vyadhi), begins in manomaya kosha. This is due to lack of right knowledge (a function of vijnanamaya kosha) that “I am made of happiness and freedom from all thoughts”. This leads to craving for happiness from outside objects (wealth and fame). Long standing stresses (due to unsatisfied desires) leads to sleeplessness, irritability, indecisiveness, depression, and/or frustration (violent negative emotions). The long standing suppressed emotions are characterized by uncontrolled rewinding of thoughts in the mind (yogic definition of stress).This habituated uncontrolled speed percolates in to the pranamaya kosha and drains large quantities of prana leading to early aging (DM is an aging disease). This uncontrolled habituated speed results in an imbalance that further settles down in the physical body as structural damage (inflammation = speed at annamaya kosha). This descent (prasava) from a balanced state of functioning of the mind-body complex results in an imbalance of the three doshas. Caraka, the father of Ayurveda, describes T2DM as a disease characterized by covering (avarana) of excess kapha over vata that leads to obstruction in the harmonious movement of vata, and this obstructed/restricted movement in turn leads to stagnation and unavailability of pitta that is responsible for healthy metabolic processes in tissues. In addition, the obstructed vata gets aggravated and gets vitiated further [51]. Thus, T2DM begins with wrong life style due to adnyana (pragnaparadha) that leads to kapha dosha or tamo guna pradhanaka vihara and ahara (sedentary lifestyle, day time sleeping, excessive intake of fermented foods, oily foods, excess sweets and meat). This dominance of kapha results in agnimandya (improper functioning of digestive fire). This goes on to produce excess ama (endotoxins) which blocks the channels (srotas) thus preventing the balanced flow of vata. The vitiated kapha circulates throughout the body resulting in dhatwagni mandya (poor functioning of digestive fire at tissue level). It affects the dushya structures, the dhatus (tissues). Adipose tissue (medas) is the first dushya to be affected. Then it goes on to affect all other structures of the body including muscular tissue (mansa), intracellular and extra cellular fluids (kleda), vasa (muscle fat), shukra (semen), rakta (blood), majja (marrow tissue), rasa (blood plasma), lasika (fluids & plasma) and ojas (vital substance that maintains immunity). Mutravaha srotas is the main channel to be affected that leads to madhumeha [52].

The holistic module of management of T2DM is based on measurement of the status of guna, the genetic personality type (prakrti), the present state of imbalance of the doshas (vikrti), the status of dushya, srotas, agni and ama at all stages of therapy.

It includes manifold techniques that possess the ability to reinstate homeostasis (pratiprasava) through increasing the satva guna and balancing the vitiated doshas. The integrated approach to yoga therapy (IAYT) prescribes practices at all the five koshas to arrive at complete mastery over the modifications of mind and remain in a state of inner contentment and joyful existence under all circumstances of life. The physical practices begin with cleansing the system of all endotoxins. This is achieved through satkriyas (Yoga) or panchakarma (Ayurveda). The stepwise progression of panchakarma starts with stimulating the excretion of the endotoxins (ama) through Snehana-Abhyangam (external and internal oleation through medicated massage) and swedana (induced sweating) followed by Virechana that helps in dislodging the vitiated doshas (excess kapha and pitta) [8] through purgation. This is followed by sanshamana (soothing relaxation) through herbal therapies for maintenance of balance. Thus, panchakarma removes ama, reduces kapha, clears the avarana (covering), cleanses the srotas, improves agni, promotes normal flow of vata, normalizes pitta and restores dhatwagni that promotes normal functioning of dhatus. IAYT, a mind body intervention adds on the component of self corrective processes to restore balance at all levels through deep rest. In summary, avoiding the etiological factors (nidan parivarjana) through lifestyle change [by mind mastery through jnana Yoga (right knowledge), raja Yoga, karma Yoga and bhakti Yoga] [55], detoxification through panchakarmaTable 5. Pathophysiology and management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus according to Ayurveda, Yoga and biomedicine.

correct the dosha imbalance and clear the subtle channels through medication, asanas and pranayama forms the basis of this integrated Yoga and Ayurveda model used in this program. Long term regular monitoring is necessary to prevent return of the imbalance that is genetically determined in T2DM. This is ensured by lifelong regular IAYT and medication.

6. Strength of the Study

This is the first attempt to test the efficacy of multi modalities of CAM in a residential setting using standard tools of assessment. The development of an integrated module by an exhaustive search of all available texts of Ayurveda and Yoga (16 texts) with a sound conceptual basis for the holistic approach is the major contribution of this study. Rendering the traditional knowledge in an acceptable capsule for the present day elite community of diabetics has been achieved by this pilot study.

7. Limitations of the Study

Sample size was small and no control group was planned. There is lack of a control group using either of Yoga and Ayurveda, the comparison with other single method study is not very valid. As this was a pilot study and not an efficacy trial the conclusions from the study are only pointers to a larger study and not a proof of concept.

8. Implications and Suggestions for Future Work

The Yoga and Ayurveda model of etio-pathogenesis of T2DM based on the concepts of imbalance of gunas and doshas offers an opening to subtler dimensions Holistic way of understanding of this disease and may bring about a paradigm shift in diabetes research. This pilot study has prepared the ground for a four armed control study that has been funded by dept. of AYUSH, ministry of health and family welfare, Govt. of Karnataka, India. Statistically acceptable sample sizes, with a battery of assessment of the cognitive functions (subjective and objective), autonomic functions along with biochemical, molecular, genetic, immunological variables has been included in the proposed project.

9. Conclusion

This pilot study has shown the safety, feasibility and indication of a potentially beneficial effect of an integrated Yoga and Ayurveda module in achieving good glycemic control and lipid profile with reduced requirement of Oral Hypoglycemic Agents in patients with T2DM. This has prepared the ground for an efficacy trial.

10. Acknowledgements

We thank the faculty of Susruta Ayurveda College, Bangalore for their help in preparing the module of Ayurveda protocol. We thank the therapists of S-VYASA for their support in carrying out the study. We thank Dr. Pradhan B. for his support with statistics and Dr. Haldavnekar R. for her continuous support during the study.

REFERENCES