Hyderabad: Scientists at the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) have developed a poly-herbal extract (PHE) that may help manage diabetes and obesity while targeting long-term complications.The formulation combines five common ingredients — ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, amla and turmeric — and goes beyond glucose control to address inflammation, oxidative stress and advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which drive chronic complications.The extract is the result of extensive screening of 150–200 herbs and functional foods. “The screening focused on oxidative stress and protein modification, particularly advanced glycation end products (AGEs) linked to diabetes complications. From this, five herbs emerged as significantly more effective,” said Dr G Bhanuprakash Reddy, senior scientist at NIN.Each ingredient was first tested individually in animal models before being combined in fixed proportions. “The uniqueness lies in the precise composition. It is not a random mix, but a formulation based on scientific evidence,” he said, adding that the combined extract showed promising results in preclinical studies.Researchers clarified that the formulation is intended as an add-on, not a replacement for existing medication. It may help reduce blood glucose and body weight while preventing complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart.“Current medicines mainly control glucose levels, but diabetes and obesity also cause long-term damage. This extract aims to target those underlying processes,” Dr Reddy said.Now standardised at the lab level, the formulation will move to human clinical trials. “This marks a shift toward integrative health solutions,” said Dr Bharati Kulkarni, director, ICMR-NIN. Trials are expected to run 9–12 months, with full evaluation in 18 months.
