%0 Journal Article
%T Effects of Momordica Charantia on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Rats: Role of Insulin, Oxidative Stress and Nitric Oxide
%J Journal of Health Science
%@ 2166-5990
%D 2012
%I 
%R 10.5923/j.health.20120202.03
%X Oxidative stress associated with insulin ¨Cdependent diabetes mellitus is a risk for vascular disorders and diabetic nephropathy. Bitter melon(BME) is a widely used as antioxidant and vasorelaxant. This study to evaluate hypoglycemic, hypolipedimic and antioxidant effects of aqueous Momordica charantia extract against streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes in male rats and explore possible effect of BME on insulin and nitric oxide release. Method: This study was carried on 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 80-90 g, 60 days old, classified into 3 groups, control, diabetic and treated diabetic group. STZ was given in a dose of 30 mg/kg for 2 consecutive days intraperitoneally (IP). Result: STZ produced a significant increase in serum glucose , triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), urea and creatinine (Cr), significant increase in renal reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), significant decrease in insulin levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and erythrocyte glutathione¨CS-transferase (EGST)) activities. Oral BME (400 mg/kg/d/8 weeks) significantly ameliorated these effects. Conclusion: Treatment with BME improved DM and its related late consequences. Furthermore, it has antioxidant and vasodilator effects. Commonly, BME is a way to surmount the diabetic state and it has vasodilator effects. It may be a promising adjuvant to anti diabetic therapy.
%K Bitter Melon
%K Diabetes Mellitus
%K Lipid Profile
%K Nephropathy
%K Oxidative Stress
%U http://article.sapub.org/10.5923.j.health.20120202.03.html