Hypoglycemic Effect of Tinospora cardifolia in Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: Aim of the present investigation is to evaluate the hypoglycemic effects of an alcohol extract of dried stem of Tinospora cardifolia, an indegenous plant used in Ayurvedic medicine in India. Purpose: To establish the hypoglycemic effect of the drug. To evaluate if there are any renal or hepatic toxicity. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 individuals, 15 normal and 35 diabetic in age group 35-65 were selected for study and extract of T. cardifolia in the dose 2 g and 4 g was administered for 2 weeks. Blood sugar was monitored after 1 week and 2 weeks of administration. Results: Mean post prandial blood sugar after 1 h and 2 h was significantly reduced at the end of 2 weeks. Furthermore, there were no significant hepatic and renal toxicity. Conclusion: The drug significantly reduced the blood sugar levels at the end of 2 weeks in the dose of 2-4 g per day. The drug is free from any liver or renal toxicity.