Hepatoprotective effects of Tinospora cordifolia extract in streptozotocin induced damage in diabetic rats

In the present study, the protective effects of Tinospora cordifolia (TC) root extract was evaluated against streptozotocin (STZ) induced hepatic injury in rats. Experimental diabetes mellitus was induced in Wistar rats with single intraperitoneal administration of STZ (45mg/kg). The rats were separated into four groups. Group I- normal control and Group II- diabetic control. Group III and IV consisted of diabetic rats administered with 100 mg/kg of TC and 0.6 mg/kg of glibenclamide orally once daily for 45 days respectively. There were variable histopathological evidence of hepatotoxicity findings in diabetic control rats. Interestingly, TC treated group reversed the liver injury induced by STZ towards normal. Significant elevations (P<0.001) in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were observed in the diabetic control rats, and after treatment with TC, their serum levels were close to those in the normal control rats. Glibenclamide treated group revealed lower hepatoprotective activity against streptozotocin induced hepatic injury in rats. The results of this study strongly indicate that TC extract has potent hepatoprotective action against STZ induced hepatic damage in diabetic rats. TC extract can be used in conjunct with any conventional hypoglycemic drugs where it fails to protect the liver.