Effect of Momordica charantia on adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase in genetically type 2 diabetic mice muscle

Abstract

The hypoglycemic activity of Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae) (MC) was investigated in KKAy mice, an animal model of type 2 diabetes. The water extract of the fruit of MC (100mg/kg) reduced the blood glucose of KK-Ay mice 2 and 4 hr after oral administration (p < 0.05). In addition, the muscle adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was significantly activated in the orally MC-treated mice when compared to that of the controls (p < 0.01). These results suggest that the antidiabetic effect of MC is derived, at least in part, from an activation of AMPK in the muscle. ©2009 The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan.