Therapeutic Investigation of Standardized Aqueous Methanolic Extract of Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia L.) for Its Potential against Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Experimental Animals' Model: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Liaqat Hussain; Noor Aamir; Musaddique Hussain; Muhammad Asif; Zunera Chauhdary; Faiza Manzoor; Rida Siddique; Muhammad Riaz

doi:10.1155/2022/5143653

Therapeutic Investigation of Standardized Aqueous Methanolic Extract of Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia L.) for Its Potential against Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Experimental Animals' Model: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022 Sep 29:2022:5143653. doi: 10.1155/2022/5143653. eCollection 2022.

Authors

Liaqat Hussain¹, Noor Aamir¹, Musaddique Hussain², Muhammad Asif², Zunera Chauhdary¹, Faiza Manzoor³, Rida Siddique¹, Muhammad Riaz¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
² Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Islamia University Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
³ Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Abstract

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an heterogenous, endocrine, metabolic, and multidisciplinary disorder of reproductive-aged females that aggravates insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, obesity, menstrual irregularities, and infertility. Bitter melon is consumed as vegetable in various parts of the world. The purpose of this study was to provide the rationale for the folkloric uses of bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) in reproductive abnormalities. HPLC analysis of standardized aqueous methanolic extract of bitter melon revealed the presence of various phytochemicals such as quercetin, gallic acid, benzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and cinnamic acid. Twenty-five Swiss albino adult female rats (120-130 g) were acquired and divided into two groups (5 + 20). Letrozole (1 mg/kg p.o.) was used for four weeks to induce PCOS in twenty rats. Disease induction was confirmed by vaginal smear cytology analysis under the microscope. Animals were further divided into four groups, with one group as PCOS group, and the remaining three are treated with standardized extract of bitter melon (500 mg/kg p.o.), bitter melon plus metformin (500 mg/kg p.o.), and metformin alone for the period of next four weeks. After four weeks, the rats were euthanized at diestrus stage. Ovaries of the experimental animals were removed and fixed in 10% buffered formalin, and blood samples were obtained from direct cardiac puncture and stored. Ovaries histopathological analysis showed cystic follicles (9-10) in PCOS group, while, in all the treatment groups, we found developing and mature follicles. Similarly, hormone analysis showed significant (p < 0.001) reduction of LH surge, insulin, and testosterone levels and improvement in FSH levels. Lipid profile and antioxidant enzymes status were also significantly (p < 0.001) improved. In conclusion, the study validates the bitter melon potential as an insulin sensitizer and ovulation enhancer and authenticates its potential in PCOS management.