Kozhikode, Feb 3 (IANS): The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on Wednesday launched BGR-34 -- the country's first anti-diabetic ayurvedic drug designed for Type-2 diabetes mellitus which has been scientifically validated for its efficacy and safety.

BGR-34 has been developed jointly by the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) and the Central Institute for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) which are the research units of CSIR and located in Lucknow.

BGR-34 costs Rs.5 per tablet and is available at all major chemist counters in Kerala. 

Speaking at the launch, A. K. S. Rawat, senior principal scientist, CSIR-NBRI, said six crore of the adult Indian population has been diagnosed with diabetes.

"We are sure that eminent medical professionals will now recommend it to their patients suffering from Type-2 diabetes mellitus for quicker and consistent response. CSIR's premier research institutions have developed and established the efficacy of BGR-34," said Rawat.

Scientists of NBRI and CIMAP made an in-depth study of over 500 renowned ancient herbs and finally identified the six best herbs listed in ayurvedic ancient texts to be combined in different fractions and quantities and processed meticulously to develop this new drug.

V. Rao, principal scientist CSIR-NBRI, said BGR-34 is a unique product that manages the lives of human beings suffering from diabetes.

"This product passed several battery of tests and showed hypoglycaemic activity in experimental subjects," said Rao.

For the purpose of quality commercial production and extended distribution, Aimil Pharmaceuticals (I) Ltd, known for its innovative, quality herbal and ayurvedic products, has been transferred the rights and technical knowhow to produce and market it for medical use.

K. K. Sharma, managing director of Aimil Pharmaceuticals, said they were happy to partner institutes of such repute for passing on its benefits to the people.