Evaluation of anti-hyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of ethanolic extract of Tinospora cardifolia whole plant in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Natural remedies from medicinal plants are considered to be effective and safe alternative treatment for diabetes mellitus. The aim of present study was to demonstrate the hypoglycemic and anti-diabetic activity of the Ethanolic extract of tinospora cardifolia whole plant in alloxan induced diabetic animals with a view to explore its use for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in humans. The Ethanolic extract of tinospora cardifolia whole plant was investigated for its anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects in male albino rats. Diabetes was induced in the albino rats by administration of a single dose of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg, bwt, i.p) and the Ethanolic extract of tinospora cardifolia whole plant was administered daily at single doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, p. o to diabetes induced rats for a period of 14 days. The effect of Ethanolic extract of tinospora cardifolia whole plant on blood glucose level was measured in the diabetic rats. Serum lipid profiles [total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids (low density, very low density and high density lipoprotein)] were also determined. The activities were also compared to the activity produced by a standard anti diabetic agent, Glibenclamide (500 μg/kg). The present investigation established pharmacological evidence to support the folklore claim that Ethanolic extract of tinospora cardifolia whole plant is an anti-diabetic agent.