Simple, high-yield, large-scale syntheses of the V(III) complexes tris(maltolato)vanadium(III), V(ma)(3), tris-(ethyhmaltolato)vanadium(HI), V(ema)(3), tris(kojato)vanadium(III) monchydrate, V(koj)(3).H2O, and tris(1,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-4-pyridinonato)vanadium(III) dodecahydrate, V(dpp)(3). 12H(2)O, are described; the characterization of these complexes by various methods and, in the case of V(dpp)(3). 12H(2)O, by an X-ray crystal structure determination, is reported. The ability of these complexes to normalize glucose levels in the STZ-diabetic rat model has been examined and compared with that of the benchmark compound BMOV (bis(maltolato)oxovanadium(IV)), an established insulin-enhancing agent.