Ellagic acid rich Momordica charantia fruit pulp supplementation prevented oxidative stress, fibrosis and inflammation in liver of alloxan induced diabetic rats

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of Momordica charantia in alloxan induced diabetic rats. The experimental rats were randomly divided into four groups. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and biochemical analysis for oxidative stress parameters and liver function marker enzymes were analyzed for each group of rats. Moreover, histological staining was also performed on liver sections. Momordica charantia supplementation prevented the rise of blood glucose level and improved oral glucose tolerance test in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Liver marker enzymes such as aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were increased in alloxan induced rats which were normalized in Momordica charantia supplemented group. In addition, elevated level of oxidative stress markers were also observed in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Momordica charantia supplementation significantly restored the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) enzymes activities and increased reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration in diabetic rats. Histological assessments confirm the mononuclear cell infiltration and fibrosis in liver of alloxan induced diabetic rats which were ameliorated by Momordica charantia supplementation. The present investigation suggests the hepatoprotective nature of Momordica charantia in diabetic rats probably by attenuating oxidative stress and improving the antioxidant competence in hepatic tissues.