Evaluation of antiobesity activity of Tinospora cordifolia stems in rats.

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of petroleum ether extract of Tinospora cordifolia st ems (Family: Menispermaceae) on obesity in rats using cafeteria diet - and antipsychotic drug (sulpiride) - induced obesity. Cafeteria diet administered for 40 successive days to Wistar male rats significantly increased body weight, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose levels; and decreased HDL cholesterol as compared to control. Antipsychotic drug (sulpiride) administered to Wistar female rats for 28 successive days significantly increased the levels of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol and t here was no significant effect on HDL - cholesterol as compared to control . P etroleum ether (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) extract of Tinospora cordifolia administered for 40 and 28 successive days showed significant antiobesity effect in cafeteria diet - as well a s sulpiride - induced obese rats respectively, as indicated by significant decrease in body weight and serum cholesterol, glucose and triglycerides; and significant increase in HDL - cholesterol as compared to respective cafeteria diet and sulpiride treated co ntrol rats. The antiobesity effect of petroleum ether extract of T. cordifolia might be due to increase in dopaminergic transmission, since the extract protected the animals against sulpiride - induced obesity. Thus, petroleum ether extract of Tinospora cord ifolia may be explored further for its potential in treatment of obesity.