A CLINICAL TRIAL TO ASSESS THE ANTIDIABETIC, ANTIDYSLIPIDEMIC AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA IN MANAGEMENT OF TYPE – 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

The present study was carried out to explore anti-diabetic, antidyslipoproteinemic and anti oxidant activities of Tinospora cordifolia (Menispermaceae) in type 2 diabetic patients. In this study clinical trial was conducted on type 2 diabetic patients attending the diabetes OPD, at Kaya Chikitsha Vibhag, Rajkiya Ayurvedic Chikitsha Mahavidyalaya, Touriya Ganj, Lucknow, following all ethical guide lines. All biochemical assays were carried out by the standard kit methods. A marked increase in plasma levels of fasting blood sugar, lipid profile accompanied with increase in the lipids and apo-protein levels of serum β lipoproteins following decrease in lipid and protein constituents of α lipoprotein were noted in type 2 diabetic patients compared to healthy controls. The results after  prescription of  Tinospora cordifoia (powered stem; 50 mg/kg body weight, p. o.) for 15 days in type 2 diabetic patients resulted significant decrease in the level of fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, β lipoproteins and triglycerides. The decrease in lipids and apoprotein levels of β lipoproteins was accompanied with stimulation of plasma lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT). Lipid and apoprotein level of α lipoproteins were also recovered partially. Results of this study may provide scope for further research and leading to development of a potent anti diabetic, antidyslipoproteinemic anti oxidant drug from Tinospora cordifolia (T. cordifolia) stem.