Effect Of Administration Of Leaf Extracts Of Momordica Charantia (Bitter Melon) On The Erythrocyte Osmotic Fragility Of Guinea Pigs

ABSTRACT

Momordica charantia plant is used in the treatment of diverse diseases including its use in the management of Diabetes Mellitus. Studies on the leaf extracts of the plant were carried out to determine some antioxidant levels (Vit. C, Vit E. and GSH) and the effect of administration of the xtra.cts on the erythrocyte osmotic fragility of guinea pigs. Eight (8) Guinea pigs were placed into three experimental groups and one control group of two (2) animals each. The experimental groups were administered a daily oral doses of 75mg/kg body weight to 225mg/kg body weight of the extracts for 7days after which they were sacrificed and blood collected for osmotic fragility tests. The osmotic fragility tests revealed a decrease in osmotic fragility of the experimental groups when compared with the control (