Effects of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) administration on alloxan-induced diabetic mice

摘要

The effect of fresh bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) fruit juice at 20 percent and 40 percent concentrations, administered per orem for four weeks to alloxan-induced diabetic mice was investigated. Blood and urinary glucose levels, and body weightswere monitored. Various organs and adipose tissue depots were collected and weighed at the end of the study. Fresh fruit juice (40 percent) preparation was effective in significantly reducing nonfasting blood glucose levels. Among the organs examined, the kidneys of diabetic mice given M. charantia are significantly lighter compared to diabetic control. However, M. charantia had no effect in reversing weight loss associated with reductions in the amount of epididymal, inguinal and mesenteric fat in thediabetic mice.