Studies on Hypoglycemic Effects of Fruit Pulp, Seed, and Whole Plant ofMomordica charantiaon Normal and Diabetic Model Rats

Abstract

Extracts of Momordica charantia fruit pulp, seed, and whole plant were tested for their hypoglycemic effects on normal and diabetic rat models. The results show that during the oral glucose tolerance test the peak blood glucose values in rats are obtained much earlier (15-45 min) than in human subjects (around 60 min). Pulp juice of M. charantia lowered fasting blood glucose levels in normal rats (p < 0.05 at 120 min); the effect was more pronounced with the saponin-free methanol extract of the pulp juice (p < 0.05 at 60 min and p < 0.01 at 120 min). The pulp juice also had a significant hypoglycemic effect in the glucose-fed normal rats when the extract was fed 45 minutes before the oral glucose load [percentage increments over basal value (M +/- SE): 85 +/- 10 in the control group vs. 54 +/- 7 in the pulp juice group, p < 0.01]. In the IDDM model rats the pulp juice had no significant effect on blood glucose levels either in fasting or postprandial states. In the NIDDM model rats the saponin-free methanol extract of juice produced a significant hypoglycemic effect both in fasting (p < 0.05 at 120 min) and in postprandial states (sum of percentage increments over basal value: 140 +/- 26 in the control vs. 71 +/- 7 in the pulp juice group, p < 0.05). Methanol extracts of seed and of whole plant, and saponin-free methanol extract of whole plant produced no hypoglycemic effects in normal or IDDM model rats either in fasting or in postprandial states.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Use of medicinal plants for diabetes in Trinidad and Tobago

“…Caraili (or bitter gourd) is particularly important because it is a commonly eaten vegetable and may be consumed in significant quantities. The hypoglycemic effects of extracts of Momordica charantia are well established, and the plant has been reported to cause hypoglycemia in a patient already taking sulfonylurea drugs to treat diabetes (10)(11)(12). Absent from this list of plants is ackee (Blighia sapida), whose unripe fruits cause hypoglycemia and are reported to be used to treat diabetes in Central America (1).…”

Studies on the antidiabetic effects of Mangifera indica stem-barks and leaves on nondiabetic, type 1 and type 2 diabetic model rats

“…Following a standardized procedure (Ali et al, 1993) antidiabetic plant materials are being screened in BIRDEM for their hypoglycemic properties. Experiment on normal, type 1 and type 2 diabetic model rats at different prandial states have been combined in this experimental approach, which screens materials for hypo-/antihyperglycemic activity as well as provide an approximate idea on the possible target tissue(s) involved.…”

Effect of <i>Pericampylus glaucus</i> on plasma glucose concentration and lipid profile in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

“…This falls in blood glucose level might be due to the direct stimulation of the secretion of insulin that promotes uptake of glucose metabolism and restore the Table III Effect of ethanolic extract of P. glaucus on serum lipid profiles in diabetic rats remaining beta cells (Ali et al, 1993). An increase in the lipid content of serum was found in streptozotocininduced diabetic rats.…”