Prameha (diabetes): A scoping review of updates from Keraliya Ayurveda literature

Abstract

The term “Prameha” denotes a wide variety of diseases, among which diabetes is the most widely used one. There are several regional variations in the pieces of knowledge and practices about Prameha. This article compiles the contributions of Kerala’s Ayurvedic textbooks in the diagnosis and management of Prameha and their relevance in the current scenario for their availability and evidence to substantiate their effectiveness. Textbooks written by physicians of Kerala were screened for eligibility (relevant contributions in Prameha). Eleven texts were found eligible and scrutinized. The diagnostic and therapeutic contributions were categorized, and the therapeutic contributions were searched on PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for supporting evidence. The 128 contributions obtained were as follows: diagnostic: etiological factors (1), clinical features (4), and diagnoses (3); and therapeutic: lines of management (8), pharmacological interventions (50), nonpharmacological interventions (7), procedures (15), and diet and regimen modifications (40). All single drugs and six formulations were available, and supporting evidence was available for 13 drugs mentioned and two proprietary medicines containing these drugs. The contributions have raw material availability and preclinical evidence. Further research and availability of these are to be ensured for these leads to be useful in managing Prameha on larger scale.