Title

An in vitro biochemical characterization of Momordica charantia – A conventional herbal remedy for diabetes.

Authors

Ilankizhai, R. J.; V, Vishnupriya .; Ponnulakshmi, R.; Gayathri, R.; Madhan, K.; Shyamaladevi, B.; Selvaraj, J.

Abstract

Background: Nowadays, there has been an dramatic increase in the quest for and use of alternative medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Complementary and alternative medicine involves the use of herbs and other dietary supplements as alternatives to mainstream western medical treatment. Bitter guard (Momordica charantia) is an important market vegetable and is a part of everyday diet in Southern and Eastern Asia. It is also known by numerous other names such as bitter melon, karela, balsam pear, or bitter gourd. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the antidiabetic potentials of M. charantia seed extract through α-glucosidase and α-amylase activity. Materials and Methods: The plant seed powder was loaded into Soxhlet extractor and subjected to extraction with methanol. After extraction, the solvent was distilled off and the extracts were concentrated on water bath to a dry residue and kept in a desiccator. Finally, the extract was used for the assessment ofα-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Results: This study showed that M. charantia and acarbose effectively inhibited the actions of both α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme by a dose-dependent manner. The maximum percentage of inhibition was observed at higher the concentration (500 μg/ml). The results produced by M. charantia were comparable to that of acarbose – an antidiabetic drug. Conclusion: Based on the results obtained from the present study, it can be concluded that M. charantia seed ethanolic extract may be used as one of the antidiabetic drugs.

Subjects

ASIA; MOMORDICA charantia; PHANEROGAMS; THERAPEUTICS; DIETARY supplements; DIABETES; ALTERNATIVE medicine

Publication

Drug Invention Today, 2019, Vol 11, Issue 6, p1268

ISSN

0975-7619

Publication type

Academic Journal