Evaluation of the effects of Momordica charantia on tibial defect injury in rats

Abstract

We aimed to examine the histological and immunohistochemical effects of Momordica charantia on bone repair, which provides positive regulation such as blood sugar, blood pressure, antilipidemic, anticarcinogenic, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and tissue regeneration in rats with tibial bone defect. Momordica charantia (MC) (commonly called bitter melon; Goya; bitter apple; bitter gourd; bitter squash; balsam-pear; with many more names listed below) is a tropical and subtropical vine of the family Cucurbitaceae, widely grown in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean for its edible fruit. Its many varieties differ substantially in the shape and bitterness of the fruit. In this study, 32 male Sprague Dawley rats, 12 weeks old and weighing 250-300gr, were used. 8 rats in each group randomly, 1st group control, 2nd group defect (Sham), 3rd group defect + MC group (14 days), 4th group defect + MC group (28 days) separated into the group. In this experimental study, 600 mg/kg/day MC (bitter melon) extract was mixed into the drinking water of groups 3 and 4 and administered to rats by oral tube. One 6 mm diameter cylindrical defects were created in the body of the right tibia bone. No action was taken in Group 1. In Group 2, only tibial defect was made. For 14 days in group 3 and 28 days in group 4, 600 mg/kg/day MC extract was mixed with drinking water and given by oral gavage. Elevated Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and Myeloperoxidase (MPO) decreased. In groups 3 and 4, osteoblastic activity and osteocyte development increased, while osteopontin and osteonectin expression were found to be positive, while osteoclastic activity decreased compared to the sham group. It is a good antioxidant in the groups where MC is applied. It has been observed that it can have a positive effect on bone repair.
 Keywords: Momordica charantia; Tibial defect; Fracture healing; Bone repair; Antioxidant