Tinospora Cordifolia Stem Research Articles

Biotechnological Approach to Evaluate the Immunomodulatory Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Tinospora cordifolia Stem (Mango Plant Climber).

The present study was designed to investigate the immunomodulatory activity of the ethanolic extract of Tinospora cordifolia (Family: Menispermaceae) stem (climbing shrub, mango plant) at cellular level. For antioxidant study, the liver mitochondria were separated and the concentration of enzymes like lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and superoxide Dismutase (SOD) were estimated; melatonin secretion characterization was carried out through SDS-PAGE. The spleen lymphocyte proliferation assay was performed through measuring its optical density at 570 nm using Elisa Reader. The cytokines viz. IL-2, IL-10 and TNF-α expression in spleen cells were determined through Real Time PCR. Tinospora cordifolia (Tc) ethanolic extract (100 mg/Kg/p.o.) increased the level of liver mitochondrial enzymes like GSH, CAT and SOD but decreased the level of LPO in liver as compared to the vehicle, SRBC and cyclophosphamide-treated groups. The secretion of melatonin via pineal gland was enhanced with Tc treatment. The extract also increased the spleen lymphocyte proliferation. In RT-PCR analysis, the expression of cytokines viz. IL-2, IL-10 and TNF-α was more in Tc-treated animals than vehicle and cyclophosphamide treatment. Hence, the study confirms the immunomodulatory activity of Tc stem through altering the concentration of antioxidant enzymes, increasing T and B cells and antibody which play an important role in immunity, enhancing the concentration of melatonin in pineal gland and increasing the level of cytokines like IL-2, IL-10 and TNF-α which plays an important role in immunity.

Evaluation of Tinospora cordifolia Amylase as a Commercial Digestive Enzyme of Plant Origin

Tinospora cordifolia stem contained 470 + 50, 3.0 + 1.5, and 1.5 + 0.5 units of amylase, maltase, and isomaltase, respectively, per gram of fresh tissue. Amylase was more thermo- and acid-stable than fungal, porcine pancreatic and human salivary amylases and liberated much more reducing sugar and glucose from cereal starches, amylopectin and glycogen than fungal enzyme. Crude enzyme hydrolyzed maltose, isomaltose, raffinose, melezitose and raw starch and therefore does not require the participation of intestinal disaccharidases for complete digestion of dietary starch into glucose. The enzyme protein was nontoxic at an oral dose of 1.5 g.Kg-1 body weight.

Effect of aqueous extract of Tinospora cordifolia on functions of peritoneal macrophages isolated from CCl4 intoxicated male albino mice.

BackgroundThe current practice of ingesting phytochemicals for supporting the immune system or fighting infections is based on centuries-old tradition. Macrophages are involved at all the stages of an immune response. The present study focuses on the immunostimulant properties of Tinospora cordifolia extract that are exerted on circulating macrophages isolated from CCl4 (0.5 ml/kg body weight) intoxicated male albino mice.MethodsApart from damaging the liver system, carbon tetrachloride also inhibits macrophage functions thus, creating an immunocompromised state, as is evident from the present study. Such cell functions include cell morphology, adhesion property, phagocytosis, enzyme release (myeloperoxidase or MPO), nitric oxide (NO) release, intracellular survival of ingested bacteria and DNA fragmentation in peritoneal macrophages isolated from these immunocompromised mice. T. cordifolia extract was tested for acute toxicity at the given dose (150 mg/kg body weight) by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay.ResultsThe number of morphologically altered macrophages was increased in mice exposed to CCl4. Administration of CCl4 (i.p.) also reduced the phagocytosis, cell adhesion, MPO release, NO release properties of circulating macrophages of mice. The DNA fragmentation of peritoneal macrophages was observed to be higher in CCl4 intoxicated mice. The bacterial killing capacity of peritoneal macrophages was also adversely affected by CCl4. However oral administration of aqueous fraction of Tinospora cordifolia stem parts at a dose of 40 mg/kg body weight (in vivo) in CCl4 exposed mice ameliorated the effect of CCl4, as the percentage of morphologically altered macrophages, phagocytosis activity, cell adhesion, MPO release, NO release, DNA fragmentation and intracellular killing capacity of CCl4 intoxicated peritoneal macrophages came closer to those of the control group. No acute toxicity was identified in oral administration of the aqueous extract of Tinospora cordifolia at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight.ConclusionFrom our findings it can be suggested that, polar fractions of Tinospora cordifolia stem parts contain major bioactive compounds, which directly act on peritoneal macrophages and have been found to boost the non-specific host defenses of the immune system. However, the molecular mechanism of this activity of Tinospora cordifolia on immune functions needs to be elucidated.

Magnoflorine from Tinospora cordifolia stem inhibits α-glucosidase and is antiglycemic in rats

Antidiabetic potential of Tinospora cordifolia stem is well proven. In the course of screening of useful α-glucosidase inhibitors, we prepared alkaloid fraction (AFTC) and isolated three isoquinoline alkaloids, namely, jatrorrhizine, palmatine and magnoflorine as active candidates for α-glucosidase inhibition. The enzyme kinetics was studied using sucrose and maltose as substrates. Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) and maximal velocity (Vmax) values were estimated. A significant decrease in Vmax and unaltered Km was observed in case of jatrorrhizine and palmatine (non-competitive inhibition). Magnoflorine was found to increase apparent Km and shown to be reversible, competitive inhibition. The IC50 value as sucrase inhibitor was 36.25, 23.46 and 9.8μg/mL for jatrorrhizine, palmatine and magnoflorine, respectively, and as maltase inhibitor was 22.05, 38.42 and 7.6μg/mL for jatrorrhizine, palmatine and magnoflorine, respectively. In vivo studies were conducted on rats to determine oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), using different substrates: glucose, sucrose and maltose. The increase in plasma glucose level was significantly suppressed (P<0.01) by all the three alkaloids at 20mg/kg b.w. Magnoflorine possessed the most potential activity as α-glucosidase inhibitor in vitro and in vivo.

Spray drying of Tinospora cordifolia leaf and stem extract and evaluation of antioxidant activity

Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi) is widely used in folk medicine/ ayurvedic system of medicine, also in ayurvedic 'Rasayanas' to improve the immune system and used as general tonic, anti-periodic, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and anti-diabetic agent. Numerous studies have been reported on the health benefits of individual parts or whole Guduchi plant. However, most of the work has focused on the extracts of T. cordifolia. In this study, T. cordifolia leaf and stem extract powders were prepared using spray drying at 90°C outlet temperature of the spray dryer. The powder morphology has also been studied by scanning electron microscopy. The antioxidant activity was followed by DPPH method. The leaf extract powder showed higher retention of antioxidant activity than stem extract powder.

Preliminary phytochemical screening and evaluation of hypoglycemic activity ofTinospora cordifoliain alloxan induced diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease, which characterizes with hyperglycemia and its related complication. Herbal plants or botanical medicines have been used traditionally by herbalists worldwide for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The present investigation was aimed to screening of phytochemical constituents in Tinospora cordifolia stem methanolic extract and to attempt assess the hypoglycemic activity of daily oral administration of Tinospora cordifolia stem extract (500 mg/kg of body weight) for 42 days. Significantly decreased (P<0.01) in blood glucose, blood urea, glycosylated hemoglobin and cholesterol and increased in protein, liver glycogen levels and body weight were observed in treated with Tinospora cordifolia. The activities of hepatic enzymes such as hexokinase was significant increased and glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose1,6-biphosphatase were significantly (P<0.01) decreased by the administration of Tinospora cordifolia stem extract in diabetic rats when compared to normal rats and standard drug glibenclamide treated rats.

Antioxidant effect of Tinospora cordifolia extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Many plants are claimed to possess antidiabetic and antioxidant activity. In practice, it is being increasingly recognized to be an alternative approach to modern medicine. This study assess the antioxidant capacity of Tinospora cordifolia stem methanol extract in daily oral administration of 500 mg/kg of body weight for 40 days in alloxan induced diabetic rats. The erythrocytes membrane lipid peroxide and catalase activity was increased where as the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase were found to be decreased significantly (P<0.01) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The levels of lipid peroxide in liver of diabetic rats increased significantly (P<0.01) and catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase in liver was significantly decreased in alloxan-induced diabetic rats, when compared to normal rats. After treatment of methanol Tinospora cordifolia stem extract brings back to normal (P<0.01) in the erythrocytes membrane and liver cell enzymes activities.

Protective role of Tinospora cordifolia against lead-induced hepatotoxicity

The importance of Tinospora cordifolia stem and leaves extract was investigated for its possible hepatoprotective effect in Swiss albino male mice against lead nitrate induced toxicity. Oral administration of plant extracts prevented the occurrence of lead nitrate induced liver damage. The decreased level of tissue enzymes, i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and increased level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and acid phosphatase (ACP) were observed in mice treated with lead. Administration of aqueous stem extract (400 mg/kg body weight, orally) and aqueous leaves extract (400 mg/kg body weight, orally) along with the lead nitrate (5 mg/kg body weight, i.p. for 30 days) increased the activities of SOD and CAT and decreased the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, and ACP enzymes in mice. These biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathology/histological examinations of liver section. Results of this study revealed that plant extract could afford protection against lead-induced hepatic damage.

Preventive effect of Tinospora cordifolia against high-fructose diet-induced insulin resistance and oxidative stress in male Wistar rats

High intake of dietary fructose exerts a number of adverse metabolic effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether aqueous extract of Tinospora cordifolia stem (TCAE) alleviates high-fructose diet-induced insulin resistance and oxidative stress in rats. High-fructose diet (66% of fructose) and TCAE (400mg/kg/day) were given simultaneously for a period of 60days. Fructose fed rats showed hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, impaired glucose tolerance and impaired insulin sensitivity (P<0.05). TCAE treatment prevented the rise in glucose levels by 21.3%, insulin by 51.5%, triglycerides by 54.12% and glucose–insulin index by 59.8% of the fructose fed rats. Regarding liver antioxidant status, fructose fed rats showed higher values of lipid peroxidation (91.3%), protein carbonyl groups (44%) and lowered GSH levels (42.1%) and, lowered activities of enzymatic antioxidants, while TCAE treatment prevented all these observed abnormalities. In conclusion, our data indicate the preventive role of T. cordifolia against fructose-induced insulin resistance and oxidative stress; hence this plant could be used as an adjuvant therapy for the prevention and/or management of chronic diseases characterized by hyperinsulinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance and aggravated antioxidant status.

Beneficiary Effect ofTinospora cordifoliaAgainst High-fructose Diet Induced Abnormalities in Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism in Wistar Rats

High intake of dietary fructose has been shown to exert a number of adverse metabolic eff ects in humans and experimental animals. The present study was designed to investigate the eff ect of the aqueous extract of Tinospora cordifolia stem (TCAE) on the adverse eff ects of fructose loading toward carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in rats. Adult male Wistar rats of body weight around 200 g were divided into four groups, two of which were fed with starch diet and the other two with high fructose (66 %) diet. Plant extract of TC (400 mg/kg/day) was administered orally to each group of the starch fed rats and the highfructose fed rats. At the end of 60 days of experimental period, biochemical parameters related to carbohydrate and lipid metabolism were assayed. Hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance, and elevated levels of hepatic total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, and free fatty acids (p < 0.05) observed in fructose-fed rats were completely prevented with TCAE treatment. Alterations in the activities of enzymes of glucose metabolism (hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase, glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) and lipid metabolism (fatty acid synthetase, lipoprotein lipase, and malic enzyme) as observed in the high fructose-fed rats were prevented with TCAE administration. In conclusion, our fi ndings indicate improvement of glucose and lipid metabolism in high-fructose fed rats by treatment with Tinospora cordifolia, and suggest that the plant can be used as an adjuvant for the prevention and/or management of insulin resistance and disorders related to it.

Anti-diabetic properties of Tinospora cordifolia stem extracts on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The oral administration of various extracts (hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol) of Tinospora cordifolia stem (TCS) were found to have potent antidiabetic activity that reduces blood sugar level in streptozotocin-(STZ) induced diabetic rats. In this study, the chronic (100 days) antihyperglycemic effect of the extracts at a dose of 250 mg/kg b.w.p.d of TCS were investigated. Insulin was used as a reference drug at a dose of 3 I.U/kg.b.w.p.d. Fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HBA1C), serum insulin, C-peptide and liver enzymes levels were evaluated in normal, diabetic and treated rats. Supplementation of methanol extract significantly reduces the fasting blood glucose level when compared to other 2 extracts. Moreover this supplementation significantly decreases the glycosylated hemoglobin level as compare to diabetic control (p < 0.001), reduced glucokinase and increased glucose-6-phoaphatase activity were reversed significantly by the treatment of TCS methanol extract in respect to diabetic group. In the TCS treated groups, the insulin and C-peptide levels were improved which shows the regeneration of β-cell which secretes insulin, histopathological studies of pancreas of TCS methanol extract treated groups substantiate the regenerating capacity of extract. Key words: Tinospora cordifolia, streptozotocin, hypoglycemic, glycosylated hemoglobin (HBA1C), serum insulin, C-peptide, glucokinase and glucose-6-phoaphatase.

Screening of selected Indian medicinal plants for acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity

Seventy-six plant extracts including methanolic and successive water extracts from 37 Indian medicinal plants were investigated for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity ( in vitro). Results indicated that methanolic extracts to be more active than water extracts. The potent AChE inhibiting methanolic plant extracts included Withania somnifera (root), Semecarpus anacardium (stem bark), Embelia ribes (Root), Tinospora cordifolia (stem), Ficus religiosa (stem bark) and Nardostachys jatamansi (rhizome). The IC 50 values obtained for these extracts were 33.38, 16.74, 23.04, 38.36, 73.69 and 47.21 μg/ml, respectively. These results partly substantiate the traditional use of these herbs for improvement of cognition.

Immunomodulatory and antitumour activities of Tinospora cordifolia

Administration of Tinospora cordifolia stem methanolic extract to BALB/c mice (200 mg/kg, i.p, daily for 5 days) increased the total white blood cell count significantly ( P<0.001). It also increased bone marrow cellularity (18.16×10 6/femur) and α-esterase positive cells (1423/4000 cells) in bone marrow indicating increased maturation of stem cells. Administration of the extract was also found to significantly increase humoral immune response, as seen from the increase in plaque-forming cells in the spleen (1575 PFC/10 6 spleen cells) and circulating antibody titre (256), and to produce an enhancement (129%) in macrophage activation. Tinospora extract reduced solid tumour growth and synergistically acted with cyclophosphamide in reducing (83%) the animal tumours.