Hypolipidemic Effect of Momordica charantia Seeds Extract on Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hypolipidemic efficacy of the seeds of two common varieties of Momordica charantia extract (MCSEt1 and MCSEt2) in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Methods: Streptozotocin (55mg/kg body weight) was used for induction of diabetes in rats. MCSEt1 and MCSEt2 extracts (150 mg/kg body weight) was administered orally for 30 days to experimental rats. The fatty acid composition of liver and kidney were analyzed by gas chromatography. Results: Oral administration of MCSEt1 and MCSEt2 extracts resulted in a significant reduction in the levels of cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides and free fatty acids in plasma and tissues of STZinduced diabetic rats. The altered fatty acid composition in liver and kidney were restored by the treatment. Glibenclamide was used as a reference drug to compare the efficacy of the seeds extract. Though both the varieties exhibited significant lipid lowering properties, the efficacy was pronounced in MCSEt1 compared to MCSEt2 and glibenclamide. Conclusion: The results of this study confirm the hypolipidemic effect of Momordica charantia.