The isolation and characterization of active hypoglycaemic component(s) from the extract of momordica charantia

Abstract

Extracts of Momordica charantia fruit pulp and seed were tested for their hypoglycaemic affect on normal and diabetic rabbit models. Five types of extract were used. They were hexane, chloroform, methanol fresh fruit and water decoction. Graded doses of these extracts were administered orally to fasted and glucose fed rabbits. The results showed that no hypoglcaemic effect was observed in normal fasted rabbits (when fasting period was 19 hours) instead three extracts namely methanol fresh fruit and water decoction showed normoglycemic effect. Most significant response was noted at the end of the first hour for both fresh fruit and methanol extracts. They showed a 1Ol.67 and 109.96 mg % rise 1I1 glucose level respectively. In case of water decoction, reduced and delayed response was observed. The maximum effect raised the glucose level by 68.26 mg % of the initial value at the end of the first hour. The most potent doses were 20 mg, 40 mg and 1 ml per kilogram body weight for methanol, fresh fruit and water decoction extracts respectively.