Comparison of variously prepared Momordica charantia aqueous leaf extracts on the isolated mammalian heart

Abstract

Background: Mormodica charantia is indigenous in tropical and subtropical regions. It is commonly used for its medicinal properties including management of measles and lowering blood glucose. Despite wide consumption of its aqueous leaf extracts that are prepared and stored under various conditions, their pharmacological activities on the heart are yet to be analyzed. Objectives: The objective of the study was to show the effect of Momordica charantia aqueous leaf extract stored under various conditions on the isolated mammalian heart. Methodology: Six healthy rabbits were included in the study. Each rabbit was sacrificed and the heart mounted on the Langerndorff apparatus. Baseline rate and force of contraction were taken, after which each of the various aqueous leaf extract was administered in increasing doses and changes in rate and force of contraction noted. Paired T-test and repeated measures ANOVA were used to test for statistical significance. P values less than 0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results: A significant (P<0.001) dose depended increase in myocardial rate and force of contraction with the administration of the various extract preparations was noted. However, there was a larger increase in force as compared to rate of contraction. Discussion: Momordica charantia aqueous leaf extract solution stored in various conditions have different dose related effects on myocardial contraction. The current study demonstrated a pattern of increase in force and rate of contraction after the administration of the various doses of the extracts.