Formulation And Evaluation of Momocardica Charantina Linn. Leaf Extracts Used to Treat Diabetes and Obesity

Diabetes and obesity are among the most frequent global health problems, and urban India has some of the highest rates. Due to the close relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes, effective treatments, especially traditional medicine, are being sought for use in managing these diseases. A widely used tropical plant known for its healing abilities, especially in managing diabetes and obesity, is Momordica charantia – better known as the bitter melon. This study aimed to prepare and evaluate a medicinal syrup from Momordica charantia leaf extracts combined with Aloe vera gel, propylene glycol, methylparaben, and peppermint oil. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts indicated that they contain several bioactive components such as charantin, polypeptide-p, vicine, momordicoside, cucurbitacin B, gallic acid, epicatechin, isocercetin among others including momordicin I and II. These phytochemicals act by increasing glucose uptake inhibiting adipogenesis and modulating lipid metabolism thus contributing to their anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects. The syrup was found to be physically and chemically stable while also possessing a good taste which makes it suitable for patient use. However, although no in vitro or in vivo tests were carried out in this study; based on the encouraging phytochemical profile as well as its stability Momordica charantia syrup should be considered as a potent theorist.