Evaluating the liver toxicity of hydroalcoholic extract of momordica charantia in male balb/C mice

Abstract

Background: Momordica charantia (bitter melon) is known for its hypoglycemic effect and widely used for the treatment of diabetes. This study other than evaluating plant antioxidant and its effect on blood antioxidant capacity, examined the effects and safety of bitter melon fruit in laboratory mice. Methods: 70 male mice (2-3 weeks old, body weight 25-30 g) were randomly divided into 7 groups. The mice were acclimatized to laboratory conditions for 7 days and at day 8, they were dosed intraperitoneally (single dose groups: 0, 100, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 mg/kg and the group which was treated for 7 days: 500 mg/kg/day). Mice were then observed for 72 hours before they were scarified, immediately livers were taken for histology. Serum samples were assayed for liver functions [alkaline phosphatase (ALT), serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT)]. Blood and bitter melon antioxidant activity was measured. Findings: All single dose groups showed normal behavior after the dosing and no statistical changes were observed in all liver parameters including for SGOT, SGPT or ALP (P > 0.05). Lab data were shown as follow: ALP = 204.7 ± 88.0, SGOT = 180.8 ± 76.0, SGPT = 80.6 ± 54.0. Histological examinations revealed normal organ structures. Antioxidant activity of bitter melon was 68% and blood antioxidant activity was 564 μmol/ml. Conclusion: Doses up to 4000 mg/kg did not have any effects on the mice liver functions nor its histology. We suggest more studies with different doses. © 2016, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved