Introduction: Bitter melon (
Momordica charantia
) grows in tropical areas including
parts of the Amazon, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. It has an array of biologically active plant
chemicals including triterpenes, proteins and steroids.
Aim: The aim is to evaluate the effect of methanolic seed extract of
M. charantia (MC) on ova
count, implantation and the fetus of Sprague–Dawley rats.
Methodology: Thirty adult cyclic female Sprague–Dawley (S–D) rats divided into three groups
(A, B and C) of 10 rats/group were used for the study. The female rats in Groups B and C were made
pregnant by cohabiting with male S–D rats. In all the groups, MC extract was administered in the
morning (9.00 a.m.) at a dose of 25 mg/100 g b.w./oral. In Group A, rats (in proestrous phase) were
treated with a single dose and sacrificed the following day (estrous phase). Rats in Group B were fed
once daily from day 1 to 10 of gestation and sacrificed on the 12th day. Rats in Group C were fed
once daily from day 6 to 19 of gestation and sacrificed on the 20th day of gestation. The following were assessed: ova count, anti–implantation, early abortifacient properties and possible
teratogenicity.
Result: The extract completely suppressed the release of ova and exhibited highly significant
anti-implantation activity. Significant (p< 0.05) changes were seen in the mean body weight, mean
crown rump length and mean tail length of the fetuses.
Conclusion: In conclusion, MC (25 mg/100 g b.w.) exhibited anti-ovulatory and anti–implantation
(early abortifacient) properties. These are certainly desirable anti–fertility actions. It also resulted
in prenatal growth deficiencies.
