Seasonal Variation in the Anti-Diabetic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Momordica charantia Fruit Extract in Rats

Aims: To investigate seasonal variation in anti-diabetic and hypolipidemic activities of Momordica charantia fruits harvested at different seasons of the year, namely spring, summer, autumn and winter. Methodology: Air-dried and pulverized fruit samples were extracted by soaking in 70% methanol for 72h. The filtrate was concentrated using rotary evaporator. The yields of spring (MME), summer (JME), autumn (SME) and winter (DME) samples were 8.4, 7.1, 4.8 and 5.1% respectively. For each of the four fruit samples, rats were divided into six groups of six rats each. First group served as normal control (non-diabetic). The remaining five groups were made diabetic by administering alloxan (120mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally. Second group served as diabetic control. Third, fourth and fifth groups were treated with oral doses of 200, 400 and 600mg/kg body weight of Momordica charantia fruit extracts respectively. The sixth group received oral dose of glibenclamide (5mg/kg body weight) which served as the standard drug. These treatments were repeated daily for 28 days. Results: Treatment with methanol extracts of Momordica charantia caused a significant (p