An investigate and comparative study on the hypoglycemic effects of Momordica charantia (ampalaya) and Aloe vera (sabila)

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the hypoglycemic properties of Ampalaya and Sabila compared to Insulin and to determine which of them has a greater blood glucose-lowering effectDesign: Baseline blood sugar levels (BSL) were determined for all test animals (40 Swiss mice) after 12 hours of fasting and were recorded as the FBS. Hyperglycemia was induced by subcutaneous injection of Alloxan monohydrate (125 mg/100 gm BW) followed by intraperitoneal injection of 50% Glucose solution, after another 12 hours. Blood sugar levels recorded after 1 hour were taken as the hyperglycemic state. The animals were given the test plants; aqueous solution of Ampalaya fruit (1.5 mg/kg) PO, and decoction of dried sap of Aloe vera (500 mg/kg) PO, and the standard drug insulin SC (2 U/kg) for the positive and distilled water PO for the negative control groups respectively. Blood sugar levels were determined 1 hr., 2 hrs., 3 hrs., and 4 hrs. after induction of hyperglycemia. Descriptive statistics was used to determine if the test plants have blood glucose-lowering capacity comparable to insulin, and if such, which of the two has a more significant hypoglycemic effectSubjects: 40 healthy Swiss mice (20 males and 20 females), 6-8 weeks old, weighing 22-28 grams, purchased one week prior to the start of the experimentResults: There was a significant drop in blood glucose levels for those treated with Ampalaya decoction from the first to the fourth hour, though comparable to Insulin effect only on the first and second hours. Aloe vera did not lower down the blood sugar level on the first hour. But there was a significant decrease from the second to the fourth hour, though comparable to Insulin effect only on the third hour. There was no significant difference in the maximum change in blood sugar levels from the hypoglycemic state for both test plantsConclusion: Both ampalaya and aloe vera has blood glucose-lowering effects comparable to Insulin and are both promising antidiabetic agents in the futureStatement of Problem Under Investigation Do the Ampalaya and Sabila exhibit hypoglycemic properties comparable to a standard antidiabetic drug (insulin)? And if such, which of the two has a greater blood sugar-lowering effect? (Author)