Abstract:
Traditionally, the fruit extract of Momordica
charantia L. (family: Cucurbitaceae; genus: Momordica) is
widely used in Asia and Australasia to treat diabetes meliitus
[1]. Another cucurbit, M. foetida, is used for the same
purpose in West Africa [1]. M. charantia has been scientifically
evaluated in many parts of the world, both in animals [2-4]
and humans [5-7] and proven to have beneficial hypoglycaemic
activity,
A wild relative of M. charantia, named M. dioica (Sinhalese;
Thumba karawila, Tamil- Palupalagakalungai or Thumbai),
is found in the dry low country regions of Sri Lanka [7],
Although there is a strong possibility that M. dioica may also
possess such activity- it has not yet been scientifically evaluated.
The present study was undertaken to evaluate the oral
hypoglycaemia activity of the fruit extract of M . dioica in rats.
