HYPOGLYCEMIC EFFECT OF SEMIPURIFIED PEPTIDES FROM MOMORDICA CHARANTIA L. VAR. ABBREVIATA SER. IN ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC MICE

Abstract

ABSTRACT Hypoglycemic effect of semipurified peptides from an aqueous extract of Momordica charantia L. var. abbreviata Ser. (MCV) in alloxan-induced diabetic mice was investigated. MC2-1, a semipurified peptide fraction from MCV produced a significant hypoglycemic effect in diabetic mice when compared to the diabetic control group. In a long-term study, mice were treated with MC2-1 and glibenclamide, respectively, once a day, for 28 days. Repeated oral administration of MC2-1 reduced significantly the fasting blood glucose level during the 28 days of treatment. Furthermore, MC2-1 significantly reduced hepatic malondialdehyde level, glycogen content, serum cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. At the same time, MC2-1 markedly increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and serum insulin levels after 28 days of treatment in diabetic mice. Loss in body weight was also prevented in diabetic mice. Hence, MC2-1 can be incorporated as a supplement in health-care food, drugs and/or combined with other hypoglycemic drugs. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The present study showed that peptide fraction MC2-1 obtained from an aqueous Momordica charantia L. var. abbreviata Ser. (MCV) extract has a strong hypoglycemic effect in alloxan-induced mice. MC2-1 administered at a dose of 20 mg/kg has a similar or even stronger hypoglycemic effect as that produced by the MCV aqueous extract administered at a dose of 500 mg/kg. The study revealed that MC2-1 is the main fraction with hypoglycemic effect in MCV aqueous extract. Through the removal of compounds with little or no hypoglycemic effect, the dosage needed for diabetes prevention and control is significantly reduced. At the same time, the compounds present in the aqueous extract, which could affect blood glucose level lowering effect, are minimized. MC2-1 can be added as supplement in health-care food, drugs or combined with other hypoglycemic drugs. In addition, the present study revealed the mechanism of action of the hypoglycemic fraction.