Effects of Momordica Charantia Seed Extract on Dexamethasone-Induced Biochemical and Histological Abnormalities in Albino Rats

Introduction: Many preclinical studies and randomised trials in humans have documented the antidiabetic properties of bitter melon, Momordica charantia (M. charantia). Aim: To examine the effects of Momordica CharantiaSeed Extract (MCSE) in comparison to Pioglitazone on Dexamethasone-induced biochemical and histological abnormalities in Albino rats. Materials and Methods: An interventional study was conducted from October, 2015 to December, 2015, with 24 adult healthy Albino rats of Wistar strain, which were divided into four groups of six rats each. Group I (diabetic controls) received dexamethasone alone in a dose of 8 mg/kg intraperitoneally for six days to induce metabolic changes. Group II rats received MCSE 2.5g/kg six days before dexamethasone and six days during dexamethasone administration. Group III rats received pioglitazone 75 mg/kg orally six days before dexamethasone and six days during dexamethasone administration. Rats in Group IV did not receive any medication and was considered as normal control. Blood glucose levels and lipid profiles were measured. Liver weight, liver volume, and histopathological analysis were done. Data were analysed using an Independent t-test followed by ANOVA with Scheffe’s Post-Hoc Test. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: A significant decrease in the Fasting Blood Sugar and Postprandial Blood Sugar levels was observed in the MCSE and pioglitazone-treated groups as compared to the dexamethasone control group (p<0.01). A significant decrease in the total cholesterol and triglycerides and an increase in High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) levels was observed in MCSE and pioglitazone-treated groups as compared to the dexamethasone control group (p<0.01). In the case of dexamethasone-induced diabetic model, both MCSE and pioglitazone significantly reduced hepatomegaly, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycaemia (p<0.01). Conclusion: MCSE has comparable efficacy to pioglitazone in the prevention of dexamethasone-induced hepatomegaly, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycaemia.