Background:This study reports a literature review aimed to assess studies related to the efficacy of various herbs in diabetes mellitus used in Bhutan. The incidence of Diabetes Mellitus is rising and many of the diabetics frequently use herbal treatments along with modern medical treatment for glyceamic control and improving their well-being. Methods: An electronic database (Pub med) was searched for 2002-2014 period and 31 related articles were assessed. Result: Many studies-mostly animal trials- have been conducted in this field. Among the herbs, we searched for Phyllantus emblica Linn., Curcuma longa Linn., Berberies aristata Berberidaceae, Tribulus terristries Linn., and Thlaspi arvense Linn. Their chemical compositions, ethno medical uses and anti diabetic activities were summarized. In the search using the keywords ‘phyllantus emblica and diabetes mellitus’’ 19 articles were found. Likewise 48 articles were found with the keyword ‘curcuma longa and diabetes mellitus’ but only 45 articles were of within 2002. 2 articles were found with the keywords ‘berberies aristata and diabetes mellitus’ and 4 articles with ‘tribulus terristries and diabetes mellitus’. As for the ‘thlaspi arvense and diabetes mellitus’ no articles were available. Conclusion: Almost all ingredients of Churu-5 showed effective result in the study done by others.

Abstract Saposhnikovia divaricata, a perennial herb belonging to the family Umbelliferae, is widely distributed in many provinces of Mongolia. The dried root of Saposhnikovia divaricata has been used for the treatment of arthritis and as a painkiller in Mongolian folk medicine. Moreover, its dried root (Radix Saposhnikoviae) is used as a Chinese herbal medicine for the therapy of immune system, nervous system, and respiratory diseases. According to phytochemical and pharmacological studies, the main ingredients of Saposhnikovia divaricata are chromones, coumarins, acid esters, and polyacetylenes. These compounds indicate anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, antiproliferative, and immunoregulatory activities. Cimifugin is an active ketone ingredient from Saposhnikovia divaricate, Rhizoma cimicifugae. Cimifugin has been reported to have bacteriostatic and antiviral effects. Studies have reported that cimifugin inhibits allergic inflammation by reducing the levels of cytokines. The aim of this review is to provide extensive information on the traditional use, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology mechanism of action, and health products from Saposhnikovia divaricata .

Aglig-4 was produced in the Drug Manufacture of Traditional Medical Science Technology and Production Corporation of Mongolia. Moisture, substances extracted in water, contents of macro-and microelements, and bioactive compounds of the drug were determined. Moisture of the drug was 4.5 % while substance percentage extracted in water was 20.9. Contents of macro-and microelements per 1 g of Deva-5 were as following: Na1.2 mg (2.8 %), Mg-2.87 mg (6.7 %), P-1.2 mg (2.8 %), S-0.39 mg (0.93 %), Al-0.87 mg (2.03 %), Si-2.71 mg (3.34 %), Ti-0.11 mg (0.26 %), Mn-0.049 mg (0.115 %), Fe0.843 mg (1.967 %), Cu-0.006 mg (0.014 %), and Zn-0.022 mg. Ca, K and Mg were the major elements detected in Deva-5. The most suitable solvent system for Aglig-4 was Tolyol:Ethylacetate:Formic Acid (7:2:0.5). By thin layer chromatography, flavonoid glycosides were determined in Deva-5.