Modulation of glucose metabolism-related genes in diabetic rats treated with herbal synthetic anti-diabetic compound (α-HSA): insights from transcriptomic profiling.

OBJECTIVES: Eugenia jambolana is a medicinal plant traditionally used for treating diabetes. The bioactive compound FIIc, which is derived from the fruit pulp of E. jambolana, has been identified and purified as α-HSA. Previous studies have demonstrated that administration of α-HSA for 6 weeks improved glycemic index and dyslipidemia in rats with T2D. This study investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the potential therapeutic effects of α-HSA in experimentally induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: diabetic control, diabetic treated with FIIc, diabetic treated with α-HSA, and diabetic treated with glibenclamide. Over a 6-week experimental period, transcriptomic analysis was conducted on liver, skeletal, and pancreatic tissue samples collected from the rats. RESULTS: The study findings revealed significant upregulation of genes associated with glucose metabolism and insulin signaling in the groups treated with FIIc and α-HSA, compared to the diabetic control group. Moreover, pro-inflammatory genes were downregulated in these treatment groups. These results indicate that α-HSA has the potential to modulate key metabolic pathways, improve glucose homeostasis, enhance insulin sensitivity, and alleviate inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides compelling scientific evidence supporting the potential of α-HSA as a therapeutic agent for diabetes treatment. The observed upregulation of genes related to glucose metabolism and insulin signaling, along with the downregulation of pro-inflammatory genes, aligns with the pharmacological activity of α-HSA in controlling glucose homeostasis and improving insulin sensitivity. These findings suggest that α-HSA holds promise as a novel therapeutic approach for managing diabetes and its associated complications.

In vivo assessment of antidiabetic and antioxidative activity of natural phytochemical isolated from fruit-pulp of Eugenia jambolana in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVES: Eugenia jambolana (E. jambolana) is well known for its antidiabetic potential. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antidiabetic and antioxidative effect of an active compound (FIIc) isolated from fruit-pulp of E. jambolana in streptozotocin (45 mg/kg body weight)-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: FIIc was isolated from the crude aqueous extract of fruit-pulp by ion-exchange column chromatography and high-performance column chromatography. Detailed UV, NMR, and IR spectra suggested that FIIc is α-hydroxy succinamic acid. FIIc was orally administered to diabetic rats at a dose of 10, 15, and 20 mg/kg body weight (mg/kg bwt.) to determine its effective dose. Thereafter, effective dose was administered to 8 weeks to determine its antidiabetic and antioxidative activity by estimation of glycemic index, lipid profile, key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism, and oxidative stress parameters. RESULTS: Administration of 15 mg/kg dose daily for 8 weeks led to significant (P < 0.001) fall in fasting blood glucose. Treatment with FIIc (15 mg/kg bwt.) showed significant improvement (P < 0.001) in all the biochemical parameters. DISCUSSION: The results demonstrate that FIIc possesses significant antidiabetic and antioxidative activity.

Dyslipidaemia & oxidative stress in patients of psoriasis: Emerging cardiovascular risk factors.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Psoriasis is a recurrent hyper-proliferative skin disease which is often associated with free radical generation, abnormal lipid metabolism and increased inflammatory secretion that induce cardiovascular risk in these patients. The present study was intended to evaluate serum lipids, lipoprotein and oxidants-antioxidants status and to establish their relationship with atherogenic risk markers [oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)] in patients with psoriasis. METHODS: The study was conducted on 150 psoriasis patients and 150 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Overnight fasting blood samples were obtained for lipids, lipoproteins, lipid oxidation and peroxidation products [oxLDL, malondialdehyde (MDA)], antioxidant enzymes [reduced glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant status] levels and hsCRP estimations. RESULTS: The mean levels of atherogenic lipids [total cholesterol (P<0.001), triacylglycerol (P<0.01)], lipid peroxidation products (P<0.001) and oxLDL and hsCRP (P<0.001) levels in patients with psoriasis were found to be significantly higher than those of healthy controls. On the other hand, ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP, P<0.001) and antioxidant enzyme activities (reduced GSH, P<0.01) were significantly lower when compared to healthy controls. The plasma oxLDL was positively correlated to LDL cholesterol (P<0.001) and MDA (P<0.001) and negatively associated with antioxidant status in these patients. Serum MDA, FRAP and oxLDL were correlated with risk of atherosclerosis in the patients with psoriasis; however, no significant association was found between reduced GSH and hsCRP. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: The study results suggest that LDL oxidation and reactive oxygen species in addition to inflammatory markers may play a pivotal role in inducing atherosclerosis in patients of psoriasis.

Assessment of prophylactic effect of Senna auriculata (L.) Roxb. leaves on alcohol-induced pancreatitis in rat model.

Aqueous leaf extract of Senna auriculata (L.) Roxb. syn. Cassia auriculata (SLEx) is known to possess potential antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. Based on the known correlation between exocrine pancreatic function and endocrine secretary capacity, here, we studied the prophylactic effect of the SLEx on alcohol induced pancreatitis in rats. To induce chronic pancreatitis, the rats were fed with unsaturated fat i.e. corn oil (2.5 mL/kg) along with high dose of ethanol (10.2 g/kg) for 4 wk, and was increased 0.6 g/kg after every 2 days for 1 wk and then 0.6 g/kg after every 4 days for a period of 4 wk. SLEx was orally administered to rats at dose of 400 mg/kg/day for 4 wk. At the end of 4th wk, pancreatic enzymes i.e., α-amylase, lipase, serum and pancreatic MDA levels were estimated. Pancreatic histopathological studies were also performed. The SLEx significantly reduced the serum levels of α-amylase and lipase along with significant suppression in serum and pancreatic tissue lipid peroxidation. Histomorphological studies did not show any fatty vacoules in acinar cells of SLEx-treated rats. However, vacoulation was seen in acini of pathogenic control rats. With the results, we conclude that Senna auriculata aqueous leaf extract has potential to reduce the ethanol-induced pathogenecity, and it possesses prophylactic effect on alcohol-induced pancreatitis. However, a long term trial is needed to ascertain its therapeutic potential for pancreatitis.

Clinical and serological efficacy of topical calcineurin inhibitors in oral lichen planus: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a T-cell-mediated disease characterized by immune-mediated basal cell degeneration releasing interleukins (ILs) such as IL-6 and IL-8 into the circulation. Their serum levels reportedly reflect disease activity. Although many therapeutic options are available, none are curative. We compared the efficacy of tacrolimus 0.1% ointment and pimecrolimus 1% cream in OLP and correlated with serum IL-6 and IL-8 levels before and after treatment. Forty patients with symptomatic OLP were randomized into two groups, to receive either topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment or pimecrolimus 1% cream (twice daily for 8 weeks). Patients were assessed at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. At each visit, objective improvement in the net clinical score (NCS), drug tolerability, and side effects were evaluated. Serum IL-6 and IL-8 levels were measured at baseline and at eight weeks. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the groups. The mean NCS declined from 10.9 ± 4.5 and 9.9 ± 4.6 at baseline to 5.4 ± 3.5 and 5.3 ± 4.2 at 12 weeks for tacrolimus and pimecrolimus group, respectively. At each visit, in both groups, the decline in mean NCS from baseline was statistically significant (P < 0.05) and so was the decline in mean serum IL-6 and IL-8 levels pre- and post-treatment. Pimecrolimus 1% cream seems to be as effective as tacrolimus 0.1% ointment. Serum IL-6 and IL-8 may act as markers of disease activity. However, future efforts are needed to objectify the use of serum interleukin levels in the disease severity index.

Eugenia jambolana pretreatment prevents isoproterenol-induced myocardial damage in rats: evidence from biochemical, molecular, and histopathological studies.

Preventive effects of hydroalcoholic extract of fruit pulp of Eugenia jambolana (HEEJ) on isoproterenol (ISP)-induced myocardial damage in rats were evaluated. Rats were pre-treated with HEEJ (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) daily for 30 days. ISP (85 mg/kg bw) was administered on the 28th and 29th days at an interval of 24 h. Ischemic control group exhibited significant increases in oxidative stress parameters, markers of inflammation, cardiac damage markers, and apoptotic markers. Oral pre-treatment with HEEJ (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg bw) provided cardioprotective activity by decreasing levels of malondialdehyde, cardiac markers (serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, creatine kinase-myocardial band, cardiac troponin I), and markers of inflammation (interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor alpha); and increased levels of superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione. HEEJ (400 mg/kg bw) was found to exert significantly greater effects in comparison to HEEJ (100 and 200 mg/kg bw). Apoptotic marker Bcl-2 was increased, while Bax was decreased in pre-treated rats, which was further confirmed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay. The present study provides evidence that pre-treatment with HEEJ attenuates oxidative stress, apoptosis and improves cardiac architecture in ISP-induced rats and, hence, is cardioprotective.

Ameliorative Effect of Active Principle Isolated from Seeds of Eugenia jambolana on Carbohydrate Metabolism in Experimental Diabetes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of LH II purified from ethanolic seed extract of Eugenia jambolana in alloxan-induced mild diabetic (MD) and severely diabetic (SD) rabbits. Ethanolic extract upon chromatographic purification yielded partially purified hypoglycemic principle (SIII) which on further purification by sephadex LH 20 yielded pharmacological active compound LH II. Homogeneity of LH II was tested by HPLC. Phytochemical investigation of LH II by various structural spectra showed the presence of saturated fatty acid, Δ(5) lipid and presence of sterol. LH II was administered orally at a dose of 10 mg kg(-1) body weight to MD and SD. LH II resulted, significant fall in FBG at 90 min (21.2% MD: 28.6% SD), 7th day (35.6% MD) and 15th day (59.6% SD). Glycosylated hemoglobin was significantly decreased (50.5%) in SD after 15 days treatment (Tt). Plasma insulin levels were significantly increased (P < .001). In vitro studies with pancreatic islets showed 3-fold increase in insulin levels as compared to untreated animals. LH II also showed extrapancreatic effect by significantly increasing (P < .001) the activity of key enzymes of glycolysis and significantly decreasing (P < .001) the activity of key enzymes of gluconeogenesis. Liver and muscle glycogen content were increased by 36.6 and 30% for MD, and 52 and 47% for SD, respectively. Thus, the present study demonstrates that LH II possesses potent antidiabetic activity and it is effective in both MD and SD rabbits.

Salutary effect of Cassia auriculata L. Leaves on hyperglycemia-induced atherosclerotic environment in streptozotocin rats.

Diabetes mellitus is very often associated with dyslipidemia, increased oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction that could develop atherosclerosis and consequently cardiovascular diseases. Medicinal plants with reputed traditional use to treat diabetes and cardiovascular diseases might provide valuable drugs. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate anti-atherosclerotic potential of aqueous extract of Cassia auriculata L. leaves in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The rats were rendered diabetic by STZ (45 mg/kg, ip). Diabetic rats were orally administered C. auriculata leaf extract at 400 mg/kg dose daily for 21 days. The supplementation of extract to the diabetic rats produced significant reduction in fasting blood glucose along with significant reversal in altered serum lipid profile and apolipoprotein B. Lipid peroxidation was found to be significantly suppressed in extract-fed diabetic rats. The significant reduction in serum levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule and plasma fibrinogen with a concomitant elevation in serum nitric oxide was observed in diabetic rats following treatment with extract. Histopathological examination of heart myocardium of extract-treated diabetic rats revealed reversal of fatty change toward normal. These results suggest that C. auriculata aqueous leaf extract exhibits anti-atherosclerotic role in the diabetic state and it indicates toward the notion that extract may help to prevent the progression of cardiovascular diseases.

Antiatherosclerotic Potential of Active Principle Isolated from Eugenia jambolana in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the antiatherosclerotic effect of active principle (FIIc) isolated from aqueous fruit pulp extract of Eugenia jambolana. Crude aqueous extract of E. jambolana was subjected to purification using chromatographic techniques which yielded purified active compound (FIIc). Purity of FIIc was tested by HPLC. Phytochemical investigation of FIIc by NMR, IR, and UV spectra showed that the purified compound is α-hydroxy succinamic acid. The streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic rats were fed atherosclerotic (Ath) diet containing 1.5 mL olive oil containing 8 mg (3, 20,000 IU) vitamin D(2) and 40 mg cholesterol for 5 consecutive days. The STZ-induced diabetic rats receiving Ath diet were orally administered FIIc at doses of 10, 15, and 20 mg/kg, and results were compared with reference drug, that is, glibenclamide (600 µg/mg) and healthy control. 30-day treatment with FIIc resulted in significant (P < .001) improvement in blood glucose, serum lipid profile, apolipoproteins (Apo A(1) and apoB(100)), and endothelial dysfunction parameters. Histomorphological studies also confirmed biochemical findings. Our results showed that FIIc has protective effect on hyperglycemia-induced atherosclerosis.

Protective effect of Morus rubra L. leaf extract on diet-induced atherosclerosis in diabetic rats.

The antiatherosclerotic effect of aqueous leaves extract of Morus rubra was studied in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats fed with atherosclerotic (Ath) diet [1.5 ml olive oil containing 8 mg (3, 20,000 IU) vitamin D2 and 40 mg cholesterol] for 5 consecutive days. A short-term toxicity assessment was also conducted in healthy rats to examine toxic effects of the extract. Oral administration of extract to diabetic rats (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight per day for a period of 30 days) produced significant (p<0.001) fall in fasting blood glucose (FBG) in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with the extract (400 mg/kg) showed significant (p<0.001) improvement in body weight and serum lipid profile i.e., total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol, when compared with diabetic control. Endothelial dysfunction parameters (sVCAM-1, Fibrinogen, total NO levels and oxidized LDL), apolipoprotein A and apolipoprotein B were significantly (p<0.001) reversed to near normal, following treatment with the extract. Thus, our study shows that aqueous leaf extract of Morus rubra (400 mg/kg) significantly improves the homeostasis of glucose and fat and possesses significant anti-atherosclerotic activity.

Attenuation of renal dysfunction by anti-hyperglycemic compound isolated from fruit pulp of Eugenia jambolana in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The renal protective effect of an active principle isolated from the aqueous extract of fruit pulp of Eugenia jambolana was investigated in streptozotocin (45 mg/kg body weight)-induced severely diabetic rats (FBG > or = 300 mg/dl). For isolation of active principle, crude aqueous extract of E. jambolana fruit pulp was subjected to purification by ion-exchange column chromatography, which yielded a partially purified compound (FII), which on further purification by rechromatography gave a purified active compound (FIIc). Purity of FIIc was confirmed by high pressure liquid chromatography. Detailed UV, NMR, IR spectra suggested that FIIc is a small aliphatic organic compound having molecular formula C4H7O4N. Oral administration of FIIc to diabetic rats (10, 15 and 20 mg/kg body weight per day for a period of 60 days) produced significant (P<0.001) fall in fasting blood glucose (FBG) in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with FIIc (15 mg/kg body wt.) showed significant (P<0.001) improvement in body weight, blood urea, plasma creatinine levels, urinary volume, urinary sugar and microalbuminuria. Renal hypertrophy, assessed as the ratio of the weight of the two kidneys to total body weight was also significantly (P<0.05) improved after treatment with FIIc. The above results suggest that FIIc possesses significant nephroprotective activity.

Antidiabetogenic action of Morus rubra L. leaf extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVES: Researchers all over the world are exploring herbal supplements to control diabetes and its complications. This study evaluated the antidiabetic action of Morus rubra L. aqueous leaf extract through its effect on hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia and oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: The extract was orally administered to diabetic rats (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) daily for 21 days. Fasting blood glucose was measured on days 0, 7, 14 and 21. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were drawn to measure glucose tolerance, glycosylated haemoglobin, insulin, C-peptide and lipid parameters. Antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase), reduced glutathione and lipid peroxides were determined in blood and liver tissue. Histopathological examination of pancreatic tissue was also performed. KEY FINDINGS: The extract showed a dose-dependent fall in fasting blood glucose. Treatment with 400 mg/kg extract produced a significant reduction in glycosylated haemoglobin with a concomitant elevation in plasma insulin and C-peptide levels. The altered serum lipids in diabetic rats were significantly restored following treatment with the extract. In erythrocytes, as well as liver, the activity of antioxidant enzymes and content of reduced glutathione were found to be significantly enhanced, while levels of serum and hepatic lipid peroxides were suppressed in extract-fed diabetic rats. Histopathological examination of pancreatic tissue revealed an increased number of islets and beta-cells in extract-treated diabetic rats. CONCLUSIONS: M. rubra aqueous leaf extract leads to control over hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia. The study also demonstrates its antioxidant nature, and hence it may be protective against diabetic complications.

Protective role of Cassia auriculata leaf extract on hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and its safety evaluation.

Cassia auriculata L. (Caesalpiniaceae) is widely used from the ancient period to treat diabetes mellitus. In the present study, the antioxidant activity of C. auriculata aqueous leaf extract (CLEt) was evaluated in streptozotocin-induced mild diabetic (MD) and severe diabetic (SD) rats. A short-term toxicity assessment was also conducted in healthy rats to examine toxic effects of the extract. Oral administration of CLEt to MD and SD rats (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight per day for a period of 21 days) produced significant fall in fasting blood glucose (FBG) in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with the extract (400 mg/kg) showed significant reduction in serum levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) in both MD and SD rats. The antioxidant defense system was also found to be improved in CLEt-treated (400 mg/kg) MD and SD rats, as revealed by significant increase in activities of erythrocyte's antioxidant enzymes, i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) with a concomitant elevation in erythrocyte's reduced glutathione (GSH) content. Moreover, there were no toxic signs in rats treated with high doses of the extract (1000 and 2000 mg/kg body weight per day for 21 days). Blood glucose, hepatic and renal function parameters in these rats were found within normal limits. Phytochemical screening of CLEt revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and cardiac glycosides with antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties. This study suggests that CLEt possesses potent antioxidant activity along with antihyperglycemic potential, hence protective against diabetic complications.

Antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of aqueous extract of Cassia auriculata L. leaves in experimental diabetes.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cassia auriculata L. (Caesalpiniaceae) is widely used from ancient period to treat diabetes mellitus. The leaves of Cassia auriculata are having potential in the development of drug for diabetes due to its antihyperglycemic and lipid-lowering activity. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was to evaluate antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of aqueous extract of Cassia auriculata leaves (CLEt) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced mild diabetic (MD) and severe diabetic (SD) rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Albino rats were rendered diabetic by STZ (45 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). CLEt was orally administered to MD and SD rats at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses for 1 day to determine antihyperglycemic activity. The 400 mg/kg dose was administered daily for 3 weeks to assess glycemic control and hypolipidemic effect. RESULTS: CLEt showed dose dependant fall in fasting blood glucose (FBG). After 5h of extract administration at 400mg/kg dose, FBG was reduced by 13.9% and 17.4% in MD and SD rats respectively. After 3 weeks treatment, CLEt produced significant reduction in FBG and glycosylated haemoglobin (GHb) in both MD and SD rats. Serum lipid levels were reversed towards normal in extract fed MD and SD rats. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that CLEt possesses potent antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activity in both MD and SD rats.

Effect of oral glutamine administration on oxidative stress, morbidity and mortality in critically ill surgical patients.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of enteral administration of glutamine in patients with peritonitis or abdominal trauma. METHODS: In a prospective, interventional, observer-blind, randomized clinical trial, 120 patients, aged 18-60 years, were randomized to receive either enteral glutamine 45 g/day for 5 days in addition to standard care (n=63; group A) or standard care alone (n=57; group B). Surgical intervention was done as needed. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable for sex and severity of illness scores. Following treatment, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in group A increased from 4.4 (8.0) to 7.2 (4.8) mmol/mL, whereas those in group B decreased from 3.9 (4.9) to 3.1 (5.0) mmol/mL; these changes were not statistically significant. Reduced glutathione levels increased from 0.03 (0.04) to 0.06 (0.12) mg/g Hb (p=0.032) after treatment in group A and from 0.03 (0.03) to 0.05 (0.04) mg/g Hb (p=0.001) in group B. Infectious complications were equally frequent in the two groups (group A: 44; group B: 37; p=0.571). Survival rate and duration of hospital stay were also comparable in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Enteral glutamine supplementation offers no advantage in patients with peritonitis or abdominal trauma.

Antihyperglycemic effect of the fruit-pulp of Eugenia jambolana in experimental diabetes mellitus.

The oral antihyperglycemic effect of the water and ethanolic extracts of the fruit-pulp of Eugenia jambolana (EJ) was investigated in alloxan-induced diabetic with fasting blood glucose between 120 and 250 mg/dl as well as severely diabetic rabbits (fasting blood glucose above 250 mg/dl). Water extract was found to be more effective than the ethanolic extract in reducing fasting blood glucose and improving blood glucose in glucose tolerance test. Chromatographic purification of the water extract yielded not only two hypoglycaemic fractions (F-III more active than F-IV) but indicated the presence of hyperglycemic compounds (F-I and F-II) also in the water extract of Eugenia jambolana fruits. When administered as a single dose of 25 mg/kg of body weight; F-III could reduce fasting blood glucose from 174.0 +/- 4.6 to 137.3 +/- 5.4 mg/dl in diabetic (21% fall) and from 266.0 +/- 5.4 to 202.2 +/- 5.2 mg/dl in severely diabetic rabbits (24% fall). After treatment of diabetic and severely diabetic rabbits daily once with 25mg/kg, body weight with F-III for 7 and 15 days, respectively, there was fall in fasting blood glucose (38% diabetic; 48% severely diabetic) and improvement in blood glucose during glucose tolerance test (48%) in diabetic rabbits. Further, there was increase in the plasma insulin levels in both diabetic (24.4%) and severely diabetic rabbits (26.3%). The in vitro studies with pancreatic islets showed that the insulin release was nearly two and half times more than that in untreated diabetic rabbits. The mechanism of action of FIII fraction appears to be both pancreatic by stimulating release of insulin and extra pancreatic by directly acting on the tissues.

The beneficial effect of yoga in diabetes.

Twenty NIDDM subjects (mild to moderate diabetics) in the age group of 30-60 years were selected from the out patient clinic of G.T.B. hospital. They were on a 40 days yoga asana regime under the supervision of a yoga expert. 13 specific Yoga asanas < or = done by Type 2 Diabetes Patients included. Surya Namaskar, Trikonasana, Tadasana, Sukhasana, Padmasana, Bhastrika Pranayama, Pashimottanasana, Ardhmatsyendrasana, Pawanmuktasana, Bhujangasana, Vajrasana, Dhanurasana and Shavasana are beneficial for diabetes mellitus. Serum insulin, plasma fasting and one hour postprandial blood glucose levels and anthropometric parameters were measured before and after yoga asanas. The results indicate that there was significant decrease in fasting glucose levels from basal 208.3 +/- 20.0 to 171.7 +/- 19.5 mg/dl and one hour postprandial blood glucose levels decreased from 295.3 +/- 22.0 to 269.7 +/- 19.9 mg/dl. The exact mechanism as to how these postures and controlled breathing interact with somatoendocrine mechanism affecting insulin kinetics was worked out. A significant decrease in waist-hip ratio and changes in insulin levels were also observed, suggesting a positive effect of yoga asanas on glucose utilisation and fat redistribution in NIDDM. Yoga asanas may be used as an adjunct with diet and drugs in the management of Type 2 diabetes.