Effect of Momordica charantia on Adenosine Monophosphate-activated Protein Kinase in Genetically Type 2 Diabetic Mice Muscle

Abstract

The hypoglycemic activity of Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae) (MC) was investigated in KK-Ay mice, an animal model of type 2 diabetes. The water extract of the fruit of MC (100 mg/kg) reduced the blood glucose of KK-Ay mice 2 and 4 hr after oral administration (p<0.05). In addition, the muscle adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was significantly activated in the orally MC-treated mice when compared to that of the controls (p<0.01). These results suggest that the antidiabetic effect of MC is derived, at least in part, from an activation of AMPK in the muscle.