Stimulation of protein biosynthesis in rat hepatocytes by extracts of Momordica charantia.

The in vivo effect of the administration of extracts of Momordica charantia on certain biochemical parameters of Sprague-Dawley rats was investigated. It was observed that there was an increase in muscle and liver protein levels, while there was a reduction in the levels of brain protein, muscle and liver glycogen. The activities of plasma L-alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase were reduced. The L-aspartate transaminase and adenosine triphosphatase activities were slightly elevated in whole plant extract treated rats while the L-aspartate transaminase was unaffected by the ethanol extract but reduced the adenosine triphosphatase activity.