Probable Mechanism of the Antihyperglycemic Effect of Standardized Extract from Momordica charantia in Streptozotocin Diabetic Rats

The herb Momordica charantia Linn has been used widely in India and other countries for the treatment of diabetes. In the present study reports the antihyperglycemic activity of standardised Momordica charantia extract (MCE) using in-vivo and in-vitro animal models along with the relevant biochemical and histopathological parameters. The antihyperglycemic activity of MCE was compared with that of glibenclamide, a known potent anti-diabetic drug. MCE treatment reduced blood glucose levels both in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, and also restored the glucose tolerance significantly in diabetic rats. MCE treatment enhanced glucose uptake process and increased liver glycogen. Furthermore, MCE treatment reduced the elevated serum lipids and glycosylated haemoglobin levels significantly and able to reverse histoarchitechture of ?-islets of Langerhans in STZ-induced diabetic rats.The blood insulin levels were also restored significantly in STZ diabetic rats following MCE treatment. Present experimental findings with MCE suggest its antihyperglycemic activity and might be attributed to pancreatic (increased insulin secretion) and also extra pancreatic (through enzymes associated with glycogen synthesis and augmenting the utilization of glucose by peripheral tissues) mechanisms. Thus, MCE seems to be a clinically promising agent in the management of diabetes and/or hyperglycemic associated disorders.