Effect of vatharasavangam on U14C-glucose absorption and utilization in hyperglycemic rabbits.

Vatharasavangam (VRV) is a hypoglycemic drug mentioned in the Siddha Literature. Previous studies showed that VRV therapy brings down the blood glucose levels in the hyperglycemic rabbits. The present intestinal perfusion studies with labelled glucose indicate that the blood glucose homeostatis in VRV treated animals is brought about by a significant reduction in the rate of glucose absorption in the intestine. Further an enhanced incorporation of 14C glucose into tissue glycogen is observed in the VRV treated rabbits when compared to the hyperglycemic rabbits.