EVALUATION OF THE ANTIHYPERGLYCEMIC POTENTIAL OF GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE AND MOMORDICA CHARANTIA EXTRACTS IN ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS: A PHARMACOLOGICAL APPROACH

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of chemically standardized Gymnema sylvestre and Momordica charantia extracts in an alloxan-induced diabetic rat model. Methods: Ethanolic extracts of G. sylvestre leaves and M. charantia fruits were prepared and standardized using high-performance thin-layer chromatography. Diabetes was induced using alloxan (150 mg/kg, i.p.) in Wistar rats. Animals were divided into five groups (n=6): Normal control, diabetic control, metformin (150 mg/kg), G. sylvestre (400 mg/kg), and M. charantia (400 mg/kg). Fasting blood glucose (FBGL), serum insulin, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, and body weight were evaluated at regular intervals for 21 days. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s test. Results: Alloxan significantly increased FBGL and altered metabolic parameters. Treatment with G. sylvestre and M. charantia significantly reduced FBGL (p