Estimating the Therapeutic Potential of Withania coagulans Chapatti to Treat Hyperglycemia and Hyperlipidemia

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia are highly prevalent metabolic disorders contributing substantially to morbidity and mortality. Conventional management relies on lifestyle modification and pharmacotherapy, but challenges of cost, adherence, and side effects necessitate alternative strategies. Withania coagulans (paneer dodi), a traditional medicinal plant rich in withanolides, flavonoids, and alkaloids, has demonstrated hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in experimental models. Embedding this plant into staple foods such as chapatti may provide a culturally acceptable and sustainable dietary approach. Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic potential of chapatti fortified with Withania coagulans fruit powder in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia. Methods: A longitudinal interventional study was conducted among 60 participants, 30 with diabetes and 30 with hyperlipidemia, allocated into control and treatment groups. Intervention groups consumed chapatti supplemented with either 3% or 6% W. coagulans fruit powder for 60 days. Fasting and random glucose, HbA1c, and lipid profiles were assessed at baseline and follow-up. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Compared with controls, intervention groups showed significant reductions in fasting glucose (–12.2 to –14.1 mg/dL), random glucose (–18.1 to –23.2 mg/dL), and HbA1c (–0.28% to –0.53%). Lipid profile improved with reductions in cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL (p < 0.001), while HDL increased (+7.7 to +11.9 mg/dL). Conclusion: Withania coagulans–fortified chapatti significantly improved glycemic and lipid parameters in a dose-dependent manner, supporting its role as a functional dietary adjunct. Larger trials are warranted to validate these findings