Abstract
The antidiabetic activity of Momordica cymbalaria was investigated specifically in its ability to increase the uptake of glucose. A triterpenoid saponin of oleanane-type (SMC) was isolated from the roots of Momordica cymbalaria. Glucose uptake experiment by isolated diaphragms of both diabetic, following streptozotocin administration, and non-diabetic animals (Swiss Albino mice) was carried in the presence and absence of SMC. To determine the in vitro cytotoxicity, MTT assay was performed on L6 cell line (mouse skeletal muscle) for test dose fixation. Further, glucose uptake by L6 cell line in the presence of SMC was performed. Glucose uptake was determined by glucose oxidase-peroxidase (GOD-POD) method. SMC did not show cytotoxicity against L6 cells and significantly increased glucose uptake up to 242.75% over control in a dose-dependent manner. Diabetic and non-diabetic diaphragms also showed increase in glucose uptake in the presence of SMC over control. Data from both the models (cells and isolated diaphragms) indicate that SMC enhances glucose uptake thereby exhibiting hypoglycemic activity. The findings suggest that SMC can prove to be very effective against hyperglycemia due to insulin resistance, as in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
