Neuroprotective effect of Momordica charantia in global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion induced neuronal damage in diabetic mice.

BACKGROUND

Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae) fruits have been used traditionally for centuries, especially for treating diabetes and associated complications.

OBJECTIVE

The present study was performed to evaluate neuroprotective effect of lyophilized M. charantia fruit juice against global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion induced neuronal injury in diabetic mice.

METHODS

Global cerebral ischemia induced by occluding both common carotid arteries for 10 min followed by 24 h reperfusion was used to induce neuronal injury. Ischemia-reperfusion induced neuronal injury was evaluated in terms of cerebral infarct size, generation of free radicals measured as thiobarbaturic acid reactive substances (TBARS), and neurological functions measured as short term memory and motor activity.

RESULTS

The cerebral oxidative stress and damage, and neurological deficits were dose dependently attenuated by pre-treatment with the lyophilized M. charantia juice (200-800 mg/kg, p.o., o.d.). Moreover, M. charantia also exhibited dose dependent antihyperglycemic activity in diabetic mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that M. charantia has potent neuroprotective activity against global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion induced neuronal injury and consequent neurological deficits in diabetic mice.