Abstract

In the present study, we evaluated the preventive effect of methanolic extract of  Momordica cochinchinensis(MEMC) fruit on renal function in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. In addition, we examined (MEMC) extract could prevent diabetic nephropathy and insulin sensitisation action. Initially we kept rats for acclimatisation along with high fat diet for 20days and then, Diabetes was induced in Wistar albino rats with a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (120 mg/kg). Two days after alloxan injection diabetic rats were selected and divided into groups, MEMC preparations (200 mg/kg per day), (400 mg/kg per day) were given orally for 28 days to diabetic rats. Survival analysis as well as biochemical parameters were measured. Administration of MCC extract to diabetic rats resulted in a significant decrease of Proteinuria and serum parameters(creatinine, uric acid, urea, triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL ) in Standard, Test1 and Test2 when compared to Toxic group(only alloxan 120mg/kg and high fat diet) treated group. Insulin resistance action was measured by glucose tolerance test and there is remarkable decreased blood glucose levels of Standard, Test1 and Test2 compared to Toxic group at different time intervals. MCC treatment improve the impairment of fatty acid metabolism in diabetes. From the results we can conclude that MCC preparations are able to attenuate diabetic renal damage, probably by its anti-oxidative action and its anti diabetic activity. The protective role on diabetic nephropathy and insulin resistance by  MCC against the high fat diet and along with Alloxan induced damages in diabetic rats gives a hope that they may have similar protective action in humans.