Abstract:
We have examined the effects of an unripe fruit
extract of Mormodica charantia Linn, on pregnancy outcome
of rats when given during early- (days 1-7), mid-
(days 8-16) and late- (days 15-21) gestation. The extract
was administered orally in two different concentrations
(1 ml/100 g/day or 2 ml/100 g/day). Several parameters of
reproduction and neonatal development were detennined
and computed. The extract did not have deleterious effects
on pregnancy outcome during early pregnancy (in terms of
vaginal bleeding and pre- and post-implantation losses),
late pregnancy (in terms of vaginal bleeding, number of
pups bom and day of partus) or neonatal development (in
terms of body weight, time taken for the appearance of fur
and opening eyes of pups). In contrast, during mid-pregnancy,
the extract induced vaginal bleeding, resorption of
fetuses, post-implantation losses, small for dates fetuses
and retardation of fetal growth. However, the number of
uterine implants remained unin:q>aired. Further, the extract
had no effect on the duration or stage of the oestrous cycle
in normally cycling rats. The fetal growth retardation is
likely to have been mediated via the hypoglycaemic activity
of the extract. We conclude that M. charantia should not
be recommended as a natural antidiabetic drug in diabetes
complicating pregnancy and that its heavy consumption is
best avoided in normal pregnancy (especially during midgestation).
