Anti-Diabetic Activity of Methanolic Extract of Momordica Balsamina in Rabbits

Abstract

Antidiabetic property of methanolic extract of Momordica balsamina, was evaluated in alloxan induced diabetic rabbits. Sixteen adult rabbits divided into four groups of four animals each were used for this study. Diabetes was induced by a single intravenous injection of alloxan monohydrate (150mg/kg) in groups A, B and C. Group D served as negative control. Following induction of diabetes, group A and group B were treated with 200 mg/kg and 250mg/kg body weight of the extract of Momordica balsamina, respectively while group C was treated with glibenclamide (positive control). The results showed that administration of Momordica balsamina extract at 200 mg/kg and 250mg/kg body weight significantly (P < 0.05) reduce the blood sugar after 24 hours of treatment. Furthermore, there was no significant difference between blood glucose levels of Momordica balsamina extract and glibenclamide treated rabbits. The data from this study suggests that Momordica balsamina extract in rabbits reduces blood sugar and can be comparable to the effects of glibenclamide.