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.
