MOMORDICA CHARANTIA L.: PANCREATIC Β CELLS PROTECTIVE AND REGENERATIVE PROPERTIES A REVIEW 

ABSTRACT

Momordica charantia Linn. is used as herbal drug for the treatment of Diabetes mellitus. In Ayurveda the antidiabetic properties and the protective mechanism to reverse diabetic condition is claimed since time immemorial. In this review article the regenerative capacity and the protective properties of Momordica charantia Linn. on the pancreatic β cells (Islets of Langeranhs) is discussed. Different form of Momordica charantia Linn fruits are used as anti diabetic drugs e.g. fruit pulp and seed powder, fruit juice, whole fruit etc. Different form of extracts has also anti diabetic properties and proven out to have regenerative capacity upon damaged pancreatic β cells e.g. Ethanolic/Methanolic extracts, aqueous extracts, Acetone extracts etc. The inductive efficacy on the regenerative properties upon damaged pancreatic β cells has been proven by trial on animal models after triggering artificial diabetic condition with alloxan or streptozotocine treatment. The histo pathological cheap trx canada studies of the pancreases of these animals also confirmed the regeneration of the pancreatic β cells after the treatment of Momordica charantia Linn.

Key words: Momordica charantia Linn, Pancreatic β cells, Ethanolic/methanolic extracts, Acetone extracts, Alloxan, Streptozotocine, Diabetes mellitus.