A Review on Madhumeha (Diabetes Mellitus) through Caraka Samhita in India

Abstract: Diabetes is undoubtedly one of the most challenging health problems in the 21st century. This disease is now increasing day to day in India. It is of many types and has many symptoms. It is a chronic disorder of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. According to the Ayurveda, a healthy lifestyle and food habit can prevent the disease. It is surprising that thousand years ago they had given the way out to prevent the disease. In caraka and Susruta Samhita this disease is named as prameha. Different types of prameha, their symptoms, their causes and effects on the body have been discussed. In Ayurveda all medicines are derived from medicinal plants. The taste of the herb is the key of working i.e. the taste will give the idea that the herb is useful for what kind of disease. A major portion of medicinal plants of the World are found in India. Some medicinal herbs which are found to have anti-diabetic agents have been tabulated with their anti-diabetic effects.