Clinical efficacy of Gokshura-Punarnava Basti in the management of microalbuminuria in diabetes mellitus

Microalbuminuria is the strong predictor of diabetic nephropathy, which is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Microalbuminuria is also characterized by increased prevalence of arterial hypertension, proliferative retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy. The study was planned to evaluate the effect of Gokshura-Punarnava Basti in the management of microalbuminuria in DM (Madhumeha). Eligible diabetic patients with urine albumin excretion between 30 and 300 mg in 24 h were randomly divided into two groups. Asthapana Basti (decoction enema) of Gokshura and Punarnava Kwatha (decoction), Kalka (paste), Taila (medicated oil), Madhu (honey), and Saindhava (rock salt) for 6 consecutive days and Anuvasana (unctuous enema) of Gokshura-Punarnava Taila on 1(st) and 8(th) day by traditional Basti Putaka method was given in study group. Tablet Enalapril 5 mg, twice daily for 30 days was given to the patients in control group. The primary outcome measures were percentage change in the presenting complaints of diabetes, urine microalbumin, Blood Sugar Level (BSL), and Blood Pressure (BP). Enalapril showed 33.33% improvement, where as Gokshura-Punarnava Basti showed 79.59% improvement in the presenting complaints of diabetes, urine microalbumin, BSL and BP. Gokshura-Punarnava Basti has shown superior results in the management of microalbuminuria in DM as compared to control drug.