Sub-acute study of different processing methods of Momordica charantia leaf extract on healthy albino rats: Body chemistry, oxidative stress and histology study

Safety evaluation of medicinal plant extracts after preparation and before consumption is paramount. In this study, Momordica charantia leaf extracts were prepared using different processing techniques and the safety of each extract was evaluated in experimental rats. Preparation methods include fresh preparation of M. charantia (FPMC), parboiled M. charantia (PBMC) and air-dried M. charantia (ADMC). A total of 50 male rats were administered doses of FPMC, PBMC and ADMC. After 21 days of administration, animals were sacrificed, and samples were obtained for biochemical analysis. Findings revealed progressive increase in rat’s body weight with highest percentage increase of 23.45 ± 2.01% and 22.69 ± 3.33% observed in rats that were administered 100 mg.kg-1 of PBMC and ADMC. Except for significant increase that was observed in AST across tested animals, other hepatic markers were not affected. Only PBMC and FPMC caused significant increase in kidney function parameters. With the exception of PBMC that demonstrated poor lipoprotein activities, there was significant (p<0.05) decrease in triglyceride across tested doses. While there are improvements in liver antioxidants, high doses of extracts caused noticeable changes in organs architecture. Conclusively, the administration of FPMC, PBMC and ADMC does not elicit any adverse effects in experimental animals at low doses.