The effect of topical extract of Momordica charantia (bitter gourd) on wound healing in nondiabetic rats and in rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin.
BACKGROUND
Momordica charantia (MC; bitter gourd) is a traditional herb commonly used for its antidiabetic, antioxidant, contraceptive and antibacterial properties. It is also used for the rapid healing of wounds.


OBJECTIVE
To observe the topical effect of MC extract on the wound-healing process in rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin.


METHODS
In total, 72 Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the study. The animals were subdivided into two groups: a nondiabetic group (n = 36) and a group with diabetes induced by streptozotocin (n = 36). Both groups were subdivided further into a nontreated control group (n = 18), and a topically treated group with MC extract administered daily (n = 18). The wound was inflicted with a 6-mm punch-biopsy needle on the dorsal aspect of the thoracolumbar region. The animals were killed on the days 1, 5 and 10 after wound creation. The rate of wound closure and the total protein content was estimated. Histological study of the wound tissue at days 5 and 10 was also performed.


RESULTS
The diabetic group exhibited delayed wound healing as compared to the normal group. Interestingly, the diabetic group treated with topical MC extract showed better results than the nontreated group.


CONCLUSIONS
Results show that administration of MC extract improves and accelerates the process of wound healing in diabetic animals.
Teoh
S L
SL
Department of Anatomy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Latiff
A A
AA
Das
S
S
D000818:Animals; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D029777:Momordica charantia; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
D010936:Plant Extracts; D011506:Proteins