Ameliorative properties of methanol leaf extract of Momordica charantia following alloxan-induced cardiotoxicity in rats

Abstract

<strong>Background & Aim:</strong><em>Momordica charantia</em>is an extensively distributed plant that is broadly prescribed in African medical system for treatment of various ailments. The plant has a comprehensive range of therapeutic uses. The present study reveals the antioxidative and cardioprotective abilities of methanol leaf extract of <em>Momordica charantia</em> (MLEMC) against cardiotoxicity using alloxan-induced animal model.<br /> <strong>Experimental: </strong>The ameliorative effect of the methanol leaf extract of Momordica charantia (MLEMC) was studied in alloxan-induced cardiac injury in 50 rats divided into five groups (A-E) (n =10) i.e. group A control, group B was toxicant group, group C animals received glibenclamide treatment while groups D and E received extracts at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses, respectively, for 28 days. Histopathological changes, serum cardiac injury markers such as myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, nitric oxide (NO) contents; oxidative status, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, cardiac P38 and CRP were evaluated.<br /> <strong>Results:</strong> The extract-treated group showed a decreased level of oxidant markers such as malondialdehyde(MDA) and hydrogen peroxide(H₂O₂) but increased levels of protein thiols, non-protein thiols, glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) indicating its anti-oxidant potential. Heart sections revealed mild distortion of the cardiac architecture compared to toxicant group while decreased expression of cardiac P38 and CRP in extract-treated groups was observed.<br /> <strong>Recommended applications/industries:</strong> The plant extract exhibited anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, thereby displaying cardio-protective property which propose the plant as a good natural source for herbal nutraceuticals.