Hypolipidaemic action of Tinospora cordifolia roots in alloxan diabetic rats

We undertook the present study to evaluate the hypolipidaemic effect of an aqueous extract of Tinospora cordifolia roots, an indigenous plant used in Ayurvedic medicine in India. Administration of the extract of T. cordifolia roots (2.5 and 5.0 g/kg body weight) for 6 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in serum and tissue cholesterol, phospholipids and free fatty ac ids in alloxan diabetic rats. The foot extract at a dose of 5.0 g/kg body w eight showed highest hypolipidaemic effect. The effect of T. cordifolia roo ts at 2.5 and 5.0 g/kg body weight was better than glibenclamide. Insulin r estored all the parameters to near normal values. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.