Insulin and glucagon releasing activity of coleonol (forskolin) and its effect on blood glucose level in normal and alloxan diabetic rats.

Colenol, a diterpenoid isolated from the roots of Coleus forskohlii stimulates the release of insulin and glucagon from the islets both in vitro and in vivo. Colenol-stimulated release of glucagon from islets in vitro is much more pronounced as compared to that of insulin. Glucose concentration of 5.6 mM in the medium is required for the colenol stimulation of insulin release. Feeding of coleonol to alloxan diabetic rats cause 36.5% increase in blood glucose level as compared to alloxan diabetic control. Oral feeding of coleonol for 7 days to normal rats causes increase in blood glucose, serum insulin, glucagon and free fatty acid levels with corresponding increase in glucose-6-phosphatase activity and depletion of liver glycogen. Predominant stimulation of A-cells by coleonol is suggested for the above effects.