D-CHIRO-INOSITOL FOUND IN MOMORDICA CHARANTIA FRUIT EXTRACT PLAYS A ROLE IN REDUCING BLOOD GLUCOSE IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-DIABETIC RATS

Abstract

Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter gourd, has been shown to possess hypoglycemic activity. However, the mechanism of its action is not known. Chemically synthesized d-chiro-inositol (d-CI), the component of insulin mediators, has been demonstrated to have antihyperglycemic effects in rats. In this study, we found that M. charantia fruit contains relatively high levels of d-CI; thus, it may be a source of d-CI for reducing blood glucose concentrations in diabetics. In fed streptozotocin (STZ) rats, a dose of M. charantia fruit extract containing 20 mg of d-CI/kg of body weight markedly reduced blood glucose and plasma insulin after oral administration. A significant effect on oral glucose tolerance was also noted in fasted STZ rats. Findings from this study demonstrate that M. charantia fruit extract is an effective source of d-CI for lowering blood glucose concentrations in rats, and therefore may be useful in the treatment of diabetes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Momordica charantia fruit is commonly used as a traditional remedy for diabetes in Asia, Africa and South America. Consumption of M. charantia fruit as a therapeutic diet has been demonstrated to have hypoglycemic effects in patients with diabetes. Our study determined that M. charantia fruit contains sufficient amounts of d-chiro-inositol (d-CI) as a natural source of d-CI for reducing blood glucose concentrations in diabetes. Findings from this study suggest that M. charantia fruit extract is an effective source of d-CI for lowering blood glucose concentrations in diabetic animals. Therefore, M. charantia fruit can provide a concentrated nature source of d-CI in the food supply and may therefore be useful in the treatment of diabetes.