EXPLORING THE ROLE OF TIKTA RASA (BITTER TASTE) THROUGH BIO-SIGNALING PATHWAYS IN TARGETED TREATMENT OF TYPE II DIABETES MELLITUS: A REVIEW

Abstract

Type II Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is one of the diseases in triad of metabolic syndrome with latest statistics of prevalence rate in India being 62 million. In the same context, Charak Samhita explains causes of Santarpanjanya vyadhi (metabolic disorders) which includes Prameh (DM) and advocates predominant use of herbs possessing Tikta Rasa (bitter taste) in Shodhan (body detoxifying) treatment. But the exact understanding of perception of Tikta Rasa through bio-signaling pathways on cellular receptor levels still remains unexplored.To comprehend this concept, the exact mechanism of perception of Tikta rasa through gustatory receptors and intestinal chemo sensory cells stimulating bio-signaling to the brain and periphery mediated via G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) n role of the latter in the post prandial control of metabolism requires a detailed enquiry. This could possibly pave the way of understanding the pathway of perception n actions of Tikta rasa. In this review article, Ayurvedic texts and websites have been documented precisely which includes literature review of Rasa and bio-signaling pathways.Literature studied is suggestive of mode of action of Madhur (Sweet taste) & Tikta rasa, which is carried through GPCRs mediated through gustatory and metabolic function. Atiyog (excess) of Madhur Rasa causing metabolic disorder (Type II DM) followed by its treatment by Tikta Rasa has been explained.This review is a comprehensive learning of probable mode of action of Tikta Rasa through bio-signaling pathways thereby, emphasizing the targeted treatment in Type II DM, which has been already stated in Ayurveda.