Effects of Momordica Charantia in Alloxan Diabetic Rabbits - An Endocrine Aproach

Abstract

Mother tincture prepared from fruits of Momordica charantia Linn, was studied for its effects on blood sugar, Serum growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) level in alloxan induced hyperglycaemic rabbits. Increased blood sugar level in alloxanised diabetic rabbits was accompanied with the decrease in GH and PRL. Oral administration of M. charantia Q at a dose level of 0.2 ml./Kg.b.wt. for 30 days produced significant (p<0.05) fall in blood sugar level. Serum GH and PRL levels were found to be significantly (p<0.05) elevated following the administration of M. charantia Q, when compared with the normal control and control groups. Histopathological studies of pancreas revealed that the drug did not exhibit restoration of a cell c is of angrehans. However viable a cells were found to be active on the drug treatment. These studies suggest that the hypoglycaemic principles in M. chararntia Q may exert a direct effect in the diabetic rabbits probably by a mechanism similar to insulin and also it may have indirect action by increasing insulin secretion fron viable a cells. The findings of present study also confirm that the drug is capable of increasing body weight lost due to diabetes. This study was undertaken at Homoeopathic Drug Research Institute, Lucknow.