Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Activities of Momordica dioica Roxb Fruit Pulp Extracts on Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Momordica dioica fruit pulp extract on blood glucose and other biochemical parameters on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Diabetes was induced in adult albino Wistar rats by intra peritoneal (ip) injection of alloxan (150 mg/kg). Hexane extract (HE) and ethyl acetate soluble fraction of methanolic extract (EASFME) of M. dioica fruit pulp (400 mg/kg) were administered as a single dose per day to the diabetes rats for 15 days. The control group received distilled water for the same duration. Blood glucose levels and serum lipid profiles were measured in the diabetic and non-diabetic rats. Results: In the diabetic rats, the elevated blood glucose levels, total cholesterol and triglycerides were reduced to the normal values by both HE and EASFME of M. dioica. Conclusion: M. dioica fruit pulp possesses antihyperglycemic and anti-lipidemic effects. The present investigation of this plant established pharmacological evidence to support the folklore claim that it is an anti-diabetic agent.