Antihyperglycemic activity of Momordica cymbalaria in alloxan diabetic rats

Aqueous, ethanolic and hexane fractions of Momordica cymbalaria fruits were prepared and given individually at different doses to different batches of rats (both normal and alloxan diabetic rats) after an overnight fast. The blood glucose levels were measured at 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7 h after the treatmen t. The aqueous extract of Momordica cymbalaria at a dosage of 0.5 g/kg b.w. is showing maximal blood glucose lowering effect in diabetic rats. The sam e dosage did not produce any hypoglycemic activity in normal rats. The anti hyperglycemic activity of Momordica cymbalaria fruit was compared,with the treatment of Glibenclamide, an oral hypoglycemic agent. (C) 2001 Elsevier S cience Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.