Effect of Momordica charantia Aqueous Leaf Extract on the Isolated Mammalian Heart

Background: Momordica charantia is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants for both ritual and ethnomedical practices. Its use includes as an abortifacient, laxative and in the treatment of pneumonia. Despite the widespread use of its aqueous leaf extract, its pharmacological effects on the heart are not sufficiently investigated. Objectives: The main objective was to determine the effect of Momordica charantia aqueous leaf extract on the isolated mammalian heart. A secondary objective was to investigate possible effects on β adrenergic receptors of the heart. Methodology: Six healthy rabbits were included in the study. Each rabbit was sacrificed and the heart mounted on the Langerndorff apparatus. Baseline rate and force of contraction were taken, after which the aqueous leaf extract administered in increasing doses and changes in rate and force of contraction noted. The effects of the extract on the heart were similarly investigated in the presence of propranolol (a non-selective β adrenergic receptor antagonist) were also noted. Unpaired T-test and repeated measures ANOVA were used to test for statistical significance. P-values greater than < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results: There was significant, dose dependent, increase in the force and rate of contraction after administering the extract (P < 0.0001). However, in the presence of propranolol, the increase noted was not statistically significant. Discussion: The study shows that Momordica charantia aqueous leaf extract has dose dependent effect on both force and rate of cardiac muscle contraction. Keywords: Momordica charantia, aqueous extract, rate and force of contraction, heart