Influence of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) on growth and blood constituents in albino rats

Abstract

Feeding of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) at 0.02, 0.1 and 0.5% (dry weight) levels in a semi-synthetic diet for a period of 8 weeks did not have any adverse influence on the food intake, growth and organ weights of normal adult rats. The haematological parameters of these experimental rats were also normal. Serum cholesterol levels of the rats receiving 0.5% bitter gourd were significantly lower than those of the control rats. There was no hypoglycaemic effect of bitter gourd in these normoglycaemic rats.

Pharmacological actions and potential uses of Momordica charantia: a review

“…MC was shown to be safe (no signs of nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity and any adverse influence on the food intake, growth organ weights and hematological parameters) in experimental animals when ingested in low doses up to 2 months (Platel et al, 1993;Virdi et al, 2003). However, relatively low toxicity of all parts of this plant are also reported when ingested, although toxicity and even death, in laboratory animals has been reported when extracts in high doses were administered intravenously or intraperitoneally (Kusamran et al, 1998).…”

“…Several experimental studies carried out in normal as well as diabetic animals have shown hypo-cholesterolemic effect by MC (Platel et al, 1993;Singh et al, 1989;Anila and Vijayalakshmi, 2000;Jayasooriya et al, 2000;Noguchi et al, 2001;Ahmed et al, 2001). Feeding of conjugated octadecatrienoic fatty acid isolated from MC seed for 4 weeks significantly lowered the plasma lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte membrane lipid peroxidation as well as nonenzymatic liver tissue lipid peroxidation, in sunflower oil fed rats (Dhar et al, 1999).…”

The effect of Momordica charantia capsule preparation on glycemic control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus needs further studies

“…Animal trials have shown 1) significant increases in alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl transferase in rats [15], 2) hypotension in dogs [16], 3) sterility in female mice, 4) uterine bleeding in pregnant mice and rabbits [17e20], and 5) elevated serum cholesterol and nonesterified fatty acids in dogs [17] (the opposite of cholesterol drops seen in mice) [21]. In human trials, the most commonly reported side effects are abdominal pain and diarrhea [22].…”

Clinicopathological Study on the Effects of <i>Momordica charantia</i> on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

“…Numerous herbal preparations have been shown to affect blood glucose levels through various mechanisms, although they are usually limited by toxicity, relative lack of efficacy and standardization of ingredients medications [11] [13] [14] [15]. One of the common medicinal plants is Momordica charnatia, which has been used in various traditional medicines [16].…”