PHYTO CHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTI DIABETIC ACTIVITY OF MOMORDICA CHARNTIA FRUIT EXTRACT

Kinara M.* Iswar Hazarika, Mareena John, Ansu Methew, Vineeth Chandy and Anju Das

ABSTRACT

Research aims to investigate the phytoconstitutes and antidiabetic activity of Momordica charntia. (Family: Cucurbitaceae) fruit extracts in alloxan induced diabetic albino rats. A comparison was made between the action of Momordica charntia extracts and a known antidiabetic drug glibenclamide (600 μg/kg body wt.). An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was also performed in experimental diabetic rats. The petroleum ether, chloroform, methanolic extracts of Momordica charntia were obtaine by soxhlet extraction method and subjected to standardization by following pharmacognostical and phytochemical screening methods. Dose selection was made on the basis of acute oral toxicity study in mice (50mg to 5000 mg/kg body weight) as per OECD guidelines. Momordica charntia chloroform extract and methanolic extract showed significant (P<0.01) antidiabetic activity. In alloxan induced model, blood glucose level of these extracts on the seventh day of study were (ME:96.33±9.75) and (CE: 83.33±6.62) in comparison of diabetic control (224.50±4.72). In OGGT model (glucose loaded rats), exhibited glucose level after 30 min. for ME (127.66±3.21) and 90 min. (99.66±4.79) whereas after 30 min. for CE (122.33±3.32) and 90 min. (96.12±3.25). These extracts also prevented body weight loss in diabetic rats. The anti hyperglycemic action of the extracts may be due to improving the glycemic control mechanisms. The drug has the potential to act as antidiabetic drug.

Keywords: Momordica charntia; Diabetes mellitus; Alloxan monohydrate; Oral glucose tolerance test.