Restoration of antioxidant defence by ethanolic Tinospora cordifolia root extract in alloxan-induced diabetic liver and kidney.

The present study investigates the effect of oral administration of an alcoholic extract of Tinospora cordifolia roots on antioxidant defence in alloxan-induced diabetes in rats. A significant increase in the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in liver and kidney was observed in diabetic rats. Decreased concentration of glutathione (GSH) and decreased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase in liver and kidney of diabetic rats were also noted. Alcoholic Tinospora cordifolia root extract (TCREt) administered at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight to diabetic rats orally for six weeks normalized the antioxidant status of liver and kidney. The effect of Tinospora cordifolia root extract was more potent than glibenclamide (600 microg/kg body weight). Insulin (6 units/kg) restored all the parameters to normal status. Copyright (c) 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.