Clinicopathological Study on the Effects of Momordica charantia on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

Abstract

Momordica charantia (MC) a traditional medicine used for the treatment of many disorders was fed to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male Wistar rats at 2, 5 and 10% of the standard diet. Rats were then observed for 12 weeks before sacrificed. Immediately, tissues from liver, kidney and pancreas were taken for histopathological examination. Serum samples were analyzed to evaluate liver, kidney and pancreatic functions. In addition, blood samples were collected to analyze hematology parameters. The results of the present study indicate that oral doses of MC at 5% and 10% of the daily diet resulted in alleviation of the pancreatic, hepatic and renal dysfunction induced by diabetes. The improved pancreatic, hepatic and renal functions were judged by histopathological, hematological and serobiochemical parameters. In conclusion, the MC fruits may be used as an antidiabetic herbal medicine.