Effects of Momordica charantia (Bitter Melon) on Ischemic Diabetic Myocardium

Abstract

Objective: A rat model is here used to test a hypothesis that Momordica charantia (Bitter melon (BM)) extract favorably alters processes in cardiovascular tissue and is systemically relevant to the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and related cardiovascular disease. Methods: Male Lean and Zucker Obese (ZO) rats were gavage-treated for six weeks with 400 mg/kg body weight bitter melon (BM) extract suspended in mucin–water vehicle, or with vehicle (Control). Animals were segregated into four treatment groups, 10 animals in each group, according to strain (Lean or ZO) and treatment (Control or BM). Following six-week treatment periods, peripheral blood was collected from selected animals, followed by sacrifice, thoracotomy and mounting of isolated working heart setup. Results: Body mass of both Lean and ZO rats was unaffected by treatment, likewise, peripheral blood fasting glucose levels showed no significant treatment-related effects. However, some BM treatment-related improvement was noted in postischemic cardiac functions when Lean, BM-treated animals were compared to vehicle treated Lean control rats. Treatment of Lean, but not ZO, rats significantly reduced the magnitude of infarcted zone in isolated hearts subjected to 30 min of ischemia followed by 2 h of working mode reperfusion. Immunohistochemical demonstration of caspase-3 expression by isolated heart tissues subjected to 30 min of ischemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion, revealed significant correlation between BM treatment and reduced expression of this enzyme in hearts obtained from both Lean and ZO animals. The hierarchy and order of caspase-3 expression from highest to lowest was as follows: ZO rats receiving vehicle > ZO rats receiving BM extract > Lean rats treated receiving vehicle > Lean rats administered BM extract. Outcomes of analyses of peripheral blood content of cardiac-related analytics: with particular relevance to clinical application was a significant elevation in blood of ZO and ZO BM-treated, versus Lean rats of total cholesterol (high density lipoprotein HDL-c + low density lipoprotein LDL-c), with an inferred increase in HDL-c/LDL-c ratio—an outcome associated with decreased risk of atherosclerotic disease. Conclusions: BM extract failed to positively affect T2DM- and cardiovascular-related outcomes at a level suggesting use as a standalone treatment. Nevertheless, the encouraging effects of BM in enhancement of cardiac function, suppression of post-ischemic/reperfused infarct size extent and capacity to modulate serum cholesterol, will likely make it useful as an adjuvant therapy for the management of T2DM and related cardiovascular diseases.

Evaluation of the Effect of AqueousMomordica charantiaLinn. Extract on Zebrafish Embryo Model through Acute Toxicity Assay Assessment

“…It was also reported that M. charantia acts as an antihypertensive agent, nevertheless this was not completely investigated [39]. Another study showed that bradycardia was observed in Zucker Obese (ZO) rats upon consumption of M. charantia [40]. Conversely, some studies reported slight increase of heart rate in the group of lean rats upon the consumption of this extract [40].…”

Recent Advances in Momordica charantia: Functional Components and Biological Activities

“…Diabetes mellitus, one of the fastest growing diseases in the world, is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both [ 96 ]. Many studies suggest that a variety of M. charantia extract can be used as a remedy for the treatment of diabetes [ 8 , 31 , 97 , 98 , 99 , 100 , 101 ]. It has also been widely used as an antidiabetic drug in different countries for thousands of years [ 8 , 10 , 102 ].…”

Bitter Melon Seed Extract does not Alter Photoperiodic Effects on Reproduction of Male Golden Hamsters

“…MC is a herbal plant which is usually recommended for treatment of many diseases, particularly diabetes. However, some studies showed that despite the diverse beneficial effects of MC ( Bai et al, 2016 ; Czompa et al, 2017 ), it has a detrimental role on the reproductive system of male rats ( Tumkiratiwong et al, 2014 ). The results of the present investigation showed no significant effects on the reproductive capability that is governed by photoperiods in male golden hamsters.…”