Abstract
Introduction: The application of herbal plants because of their lower side-effects has been increasing in recent years.
Objectives: we aimed to study the effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Momordica charantia (bitter melon) on liver function and tissue structure in mice.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 70 male mice which were randomly designated into 7 groups of 10 and were injected with single doses of 0, 100, 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 mg/kg and multiple daily dose of 500 mg/kg for 7 days, intraperitoneally. Finally, liver tissues were taken out for histological examinations. Serum samples were assayed for liver enzymes activities of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. Also the antioxidant activity of blood and bitter melon were measured. Subsequently, data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni tests using Stata software.
Results: The results of the present study showed that a single dose of Momordica charantia fruit extract at doses up to 4000 mg/kg extract does not significant adverse effects on the liver enzymes and tissue structure.
Conclusion: Using this drug for short time and low dose has not toxicity effects on liver enzymes activity and tissue structure, hence, it is safe in this range of doses.