Nutritional and In Vitro Anti-Diabetic Assessment of an Ayurvedic Therapeutic Diet for Blood Glucose Regulation

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and associated with severe complications if left unmanaged. Ayurveda identifies a comparable condition, Prameha, and emphasizes therapeutic dietary interventions such as Pathya for disease management. Mudgadi Kanji Kashaya, a traditional Ayurvedic dietary formulation, is commonly recommended for Sthoulya (obesity) and Prameha. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional composition and in vitro anti-diabetic and antioxidant potential of Mudgadi Kanji Kashaya to validate its therapeutic efficacy in blood glucose regulation. Methods The formulation was prepared using Khadira (Acacia catechu), Mudga (Vigna radiata), and Laja (puffed rice) as per Ayurvedic principles. Nutritional profiling assessed carbohydrate, protein, and lipid content. Antioxidant potential was evaluated using DPPH, FRAP, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays. Anti-diabetic activity was determined through α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays and glucose uptake in yeast cells. Acarbose and ascorbic acid served as standard references. All experiments were conducted in triplicate and statistically analyzed. Results Mudgadi Kanji Kashaya exhibited high protein content (80%), minimal lipids, and moderate carbohydrate presence. It demonstrated significant antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ values of 179.99 µg/mL (DPPH), 155.23 µg/mL (FRAP), and 155.23 µg/mL (hydrogen peroxide scavenging), comparable or superior to ascorbic acid. Anti-diabetic assays revealed moderate α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 556.7 µg/mL) and α-glucosidase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 433.3 µg/mL), along with glucose uptake enhancement (IC₅₀ = 485 µg/mL), indicating potential in glycemic regulation.