Anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-oxidant and anti-hyperlipidaemic effects of Momordica charantia L. On streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The study was aimed to determine the effects of Momordica charantia (MC) on fasting blood glucose levels, oxidative stress and plasma lipid profile in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetic rats were orally administered MC extract (200 mg/kg) and subcutaneous insulin (1 IU) for 21 days. MC and insulin treated groups showed a significant decrease in the fasting blood glucose levels from the 7th day (p < 0.001). There were no differences in HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. There was a decrease in the LDL and VLDL cholesterol levels (p < 0.05). Furthermore, treatment with MC and insulin reduced in the erythrocyte TOS levels (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in plasma and erythrocyte TAS levels between the untreated diabetic group and MC group. The anti-hyperlipidaemic property of the MC extract was determined, while the more antioxidant and anti-hyperglycaemic features of the insulin was observed. Based on this information, it is considered that it will be more effective to use MC and exogenous insulin in combination for preventing complications such as oxidative stress and, hyperlipidaemia shaped by diabetes. © 2015, National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR). All rights reserved.