title: The Significance of Tinospora crispa in Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus.
abstract: Tinospora crispa is a medicinal plant belonging to the botanical family Menispermiaceae. The plant is widely distributed in Southeast Asia and the northeastern region of India. A related species Tinospora cordifolia is used in Ayurveda for treating a large spectrum of diseases. Traditional healers of Thailand, Malaysia, Guyana, Bangladesh and the southern Indian province of Kerala use this plant in the treatment of diabetes. Many diterpenes, triterpenes, phytosteroids, alkaloids and their glycosides have been isolated from T. crispa. Cell culture and animal studies suggest that the herb stimulates secretion of insulin from β-cells. It also causes dose-dependent and time-dependent enhancement of glucose uptake in muscles. However, in view of the reported hepatotoxicity, this herb may be used with caution. This article reviews the animal studies and human clinical trials carried out using this herb. Areas of future research are also identified.
authors.affiliation: CARe Keralam Ltd, KINFRA Small Industries Park, KINFRA Park P.O., Koratty, 680 309, Kerala, India.
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.affiliation: My Holdings Consultancy Pvt Ltd, First Floor, Supriya Tower, Chalakudy, 680307, Thrissur District, Kerala, India.
authors.forename: E K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Rajesh
authors.affiliation: CARe Keralam Ltd, KINFRA Small Industries Park, KINFRA Park P.O., Koratty, 680 309, Kerala, India.
authors.forename: D Suresh
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Kumar
mesh_terms: D000470:Alkaloids / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007328:Insulin / Q000378:metabolism*; D009132:Muscles / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D010840:Phytosterols / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013729:Terpenes / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D031610:Tinospora / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D000470:Alkaloids; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin; D010840:Phytosterols; D010936:Plant Extracts; D013729:Terpenes; D005947:Glucose
keywords: Thai medicine; Tinospora crispa; diabetes mellitus; hyperglycaemia; traditional medicine