World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

EVALUATION OF POSSIBLE MODE OF ACTION OF ACTIVE PROTEINACEOUS HYPOGLYCEMIC PRINCIPLE(S) FROM SEEDS OF BITTERMELON (MOMORDICA CHARANTIA) IN EXPERIMENTAL DIABETES.

Zamiruddin Ansari* and Shree Ram Padmadeo

ABSTRACT

The present study evaluates possible mode of action of active hypoglycemic principle(s) of fractionated bittermelon (Momordica charantia) seed extract in experimental diabetes. Blood glucose levels were evaluated before and after administration of different fractions of the seed extract. Among the three fractions tested, fraction MCK3 at a much lower dose of 15 mg/kg b.wt. showed the maximum hypoglycemic activity and reduced blood glucose levels in alloxan – induced diabetic rats significantly. The activities of the key regulatory enzymes of glucose metabolism (hexokinase, pyruvate kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase), serum insulin, liver and muscle glycogen were determined in MCK3 treated diabetic animals. Loss in hypoglycemic activity of the fraction MCK3 upon proteinase-K treatment indicates the proteinaceous nature of the hypoglycemic principle(s). Overall, the results suggest that the hypoglycemic activity of bittermelon (Momordica charantia) seeds is mediated by pancreatic as well as extra-pancreatic actions. Bittermelon (Momordica charantia) contain active hypoglycemic protein(s) which may find application in treatment of diabetes without evident toxic effects.

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