EVALUATION OF THE ANTIHYPERGLYCEMIC POTENTIAL OF GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE AND MOMORDICA CHARANTIA EXTRACTS IN ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS: A PHARMACOLOGICAL APPROACH
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22159/ajpcr.2026v19i2.57362Keywords:
Gymnema sylvestre, Momordica charantia, Alloxan, Antihyperglycemic, Hypolipidemic, Insulin,, Glycated hemoglobinAbstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of chemically standardized Gymnema sylvestre and Momordica charantia extracts in an alloxan-induced diabetic rat model.
Methods: Ethanolic extracts of G. sylvestre leaves and M. charantia fruits were prepared and standardized using high-performance thin-layer chromatography. Diabetes was induced using alloxan (150 mg/kg, i.p.) in Wistar rats. Animals were divided into five groups (n=6): Normal control, diabetic control, metformin (150 mg/kg), G. sylvestre (400 mg/kg), and M. charantia (400 mg/kg). Fasting blood glucose (FBGL), serum insulin, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, and body weight were evaluated at regular intervals for 21 days. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s test.
Results: Alloxan significantly increased FBGL and altered metabolic parameters. Treatment with G. sylvestre and M. charantia significantly reduced FBGL (p<0.01) and improved insulin levels, HbA1c, and lipid profile. G. sylvestre showed superior activity to M. charantia, achieving a 51.6% reduction in glucose levels and greater improvement in insulin and low-density lipoprotein levels. Metformin exhibited maximum activity across parameters.
Conclusion: Chemically standardized extracts of G. sylvestre and M. charantia possess significant antidiabetic potential, with G. sylvestre demonstrating comparatively stronger effects. These findings support their possible role as complementary agents in diabetes management.
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