Biomedical Research

Objective: To evaluate antidiabetic potential of Momordica charantia leaves extract on Streptozotocin- Nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetic rats. Methods: Eighteen mice were used for acute toxicity while thirty rats used were for the Hypolipidamic study. They were grouped into five of six rats per group. Group 1 normal control received 5% tragacanth, Group 2 the diabetic-induced untreated received 5% tragacanth only, Group 3 diabeticinduced received 50 mg/kg body weight standard drug glibenclamide, Group 4 diabetic-induced received 50 mg/kg body weight methanolic extract of Momordica charantia, and Group 5 diabetic induced received 50 mg/kg body weight ethyl acetate fraction of Momordica charantia. The induction of type 2 diabetes was by single intraperitoneal injection of 120 mg/kg body weight, 60 mg/kg body weight Streptozotocin. Rats with fasting blood glucose above 200 mg/dl were considered hyperglycemic. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis; the liver tissue was used for hisotopathologic analyses. Methanolic leaves extract of Momordica charantia was obtained by cold maceration with 5 L methanol for 72 hours at room temperature and fractionated. Results: Oral treatment with the extracts caused significant reduction (P<0.05) in the blood glucose levels. The serum levels of the biochemical parameters; urea, creatinine, alpha-amylase and lipid profiles that were negatively altered by the induction became significantly improved due to treatment with the extract. The liver histomorphology also improved. Conclusion: These findings suggest that leaves extract of ethyl acetate fraction of Momordica charantia possesses antidiabetic properties with insulin-mimicking action and could be used for the treatment of diabetic disorder.

Author(s): Abraham Ubhenin, Fatima Amin Adamude, Emeka John Dingwoke, Nwobodo Ndubuisi Nwobodo
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