Momordica charantia reverses type II diabetes in rat

Abstract

Diabetes, a disease with abnormal production or use of insulin, is a growing concern that affects many individuals globally. Although many attempts have been made, there is no satisfactory treatment for diabetes. Recently, scientists have been exploring a promising treatment of diabetes involving herbal medicine. In this line, we show that Momordica charantia, a tendril‐bearing vine belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, permanently normalizes blood glucose levels comparable to healthy rats. Most importantly, M. charantia increases the expression of Insulin and Pdx1 genes while lowers the expression Glut2. Moreover, the number and size of the pancreatic islets have remarkably increased in treated animals. Liver ALT, AST, and ALP enzyme activities fell into normal range in treated animals suggesting the protective effect of M. charantia. These data indicate that M. Charantia improves the pancreas function by activating pancreatic beta cells and protecting liver tissue. Practical applications Owing to the effectiveness of Momordica Charantia extracts in management of diabetes in STZ‐induced diabetic rats, we have intention to evaluate the powder of Charantia to discover novel drug for treating diabetes. It is expected that the results could be translated in clinical trials.

Ethno-Medical Informations from Coastal Odisha, a Review

“…64 The leaf juice of Momordica charantia L., belonging to family Cucurbitaceae (local name Kalara) which is commonly taken along with honey against diabetes and blood pressure. 65 For "Basanga"(Adhatoda vasica Nees, family Acanthaceae), it was found that Leaf juice 10 ml with honey 10ml is orally taken thrice per a day to cure chronic cough in local population. 66 The "Nakajada" stem (Jatropha gossypifolia L., family Euphorbiaceae) utilized to get treatment from tooth pain.…”

Modulation of Notch signaling and angiogenesis via an isolated polysaccharide from Momordica charantia in diabetic rats

“…The study presented here provides insights into the evaluation of the underlying mechanism of an anti-diabetic polysaccharide fraction isolated from M. charantia through modulation of the notch signaling pathway. According to our previous study, M. charantia was effective in diabetes treatment through induction of the regeneration of pancreatic islet cells (Malekshahi et al, 2019).…”

“…M. charantia (bitter gourd or bitter melon) belongs to the family of Cucurbitaceae and is traditionally used in folk medicine to manage diabetes throughout the world (Cefalu et al, 2008;Joseph & Jini, 2013). The anti-diabetic effect of M. charantia powder was recently established in STZ-diabetic rats (Malekshahi et al, 2019). There is ample evidence that M. charantia includes saponins, polysaccharides, proteins, triterpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, quinine, amino acids, fatty acids, and trace elements (Horax et al, 2014;Li et al, 2015;Zhang et al, 2015).…”

The Effect of Momordica charantia in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus: A Review

“…In STZ-induced diabetic rats, MC juice reduces the Na + - and K + -dependent absorption of glucose in jejunal brush border membrane vesicles by affecting PI3K [ 30 ]; MC powder [ 59 ] and fresh fruit [ 60 ] when given orally affect glucose absorption due to dietary fiber. Furthermore, MC powder can lower the expression of GLUT2, thus reducing the reabsorption of glucose by the kidneys and increasing the excretion of urine sugar [ 61 ] ( Figure 2 ).…”

“…In addition, experiments pertaining to the mechanism of MC on activating β cells have other discoveries. An article states that MC powder can improve pancreatic function by activating pancreatic β cells, evidently increasing the expression of insulin and pancreatic duodenal homeobox factors-1 (Pdx1) genes [ 61 ]. As we know, Pdx1 is beneficial to the regulation of pancreatic development and stimulation of β cell growth [ 76 ].…”