Momordica charantia Protects the Liver from Hyperglycemia Induced Toxicity during Diabetes in Swiss Albino Mice

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a universal problem affecting human societies at all stages of development. It is a condition where sufficient amount of insulin is either not produced or the body is unable to use the insulin that is produced, leading to excess glucose in the blood. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti- hyperglycemic activity of Momordica charantia fruit on alloxan induced diabetic mice and its antitoxic effect on liver. Mice were alloxanized (alloxan monohydrate 150 mg/kg body weight administered intraperitoneally) and aqueous extract of Momordica charantia at the rate of 100 mg/kg body weight was administered for 21 days to evaluate its anti- hyperglycemic activity. There serum glucose levels as well as the Liver Function Tests (LFT) - SGPT, SGOT and total bilirubin levels were analyzed statistically using ANOVA and Dunnett’s tests. Alloxan caused significant increase in the levels of serum glucose, SGPT, SGOT and bilirubin levels but after administration of Momordica charantia aqueous extract there was significant decrease in the serum glucose levels as well as SGPT, SGOT and total bilirubin levels. The study suggests that Momordica charantia possesses antidiabetic and antitoxic effects