Effect of Tinospora cordifolia on gestational diabetes mellitus and its complications

Ayurvedic system of medicine uses giloy or guduchi, also known as Tinospora cordifolia (TC), to treat diabetes and related diseases like hyperglycemia and hyperlipididemia. However, its usage in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is not well studied. The primary objective of the study was to examine the effects of water extract of TC called satva, essential oil, and hydroalcoholic (HA) extract on GDM and its complications and to explore their mechanism of action using mice model. We used streptozotocin-induced diabetes in pregnant mice as murine model and tested TC preparations for anti-GDM activities. Blood glucose, insulin, litter size, and placental weight were assessed. ELISA method was used to measure plasma insulin level to compute homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), and homeostatic model assessment for assessing beta cell function (HOMA-Beta) levels to estimate insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity, and beta cell function respectively. TC-treated groups had significantly higher serum insulin levels, QUICKI, average litter size, and lower placental weight (p < .001). TC oil and HA extract increased pancreatic beta cell activity according to the level of HOMA-Beta. TC lowered placenta weight and increased litter size significantly compared to control group. Our findings suggest that TC preparations preserve pancreatic beta cells, increase insulin production, decrease insulin resistance, and improve beta cell function, hence preventing GDM. TC preparations also reduced placental weight and increased litter size in mice. Based on these results, we recommend the clinical trial and testing of TC preparations for management of GDM and associated complications. Refer graphical abstract (Figure S1).