Effect of Tinospora cordifolia on blood glucose and total lipid levels of normal and alloxan-diabetic rabbits.

The aqueous, alcoholic, and chloroform extracts of the leaves of Tinospora cordifolia were administered in doses of 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg body weight to normal and alloxan-diabetic rabbits. The blood glucose and total lipid levels were estimated before and 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours after administration of the extract. The extract exerted a significant (P less than 0.5) hypoglycaemic effect in normal as well as in alloxan-treated rabbits. The extracts, however, had no significant (P greater than 0.05) effect on total lipid levels in normal as well as in alloxan-treated diabetic rabbits. The doses used did not show acute toxicity or result in behavioural changes. From this study, it may be concluded that extracts of the leaves of Tinospora cordifolia have an insulin-like action and can significantly reduce the blood glucose but not the total lipid levels in normal rabbits and in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits.