The effect of topical extract of Momordica charantia (bitter gourd) on wound healing in nondiabetic rats and in rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin.

BACKGROUND: Momordica charantia (MC; bitter gourd) is a traditional herb commonly used for its antidiabetic, antioxidant, contraceptive and antibacterial properties. It is also used for the rapid healing of wounds.

AIM: To observe the topical effect of MC extract on the wound-healing process in rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin.

METHODS: In total, 72 Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the study. The animals were subdivided into two groups: a nondiabetic group (n = 36) and a group with diabetes induced by streptozotocin (n = 36). Both groups were subdivided further into a nontreated control group (n = 18), and a topically treated group with MC extract administered daily (n = 18). The wound was inflicted with a 6-mm punch-biopsy needle on the dorsal aspect of the thoracolumbar region. The animals were killed on the days 1, 5 and 10 after wound creation. The rate of wound closure and the total protein content was estimated. Histological study of the wound tissue at days 5 and 10 was also performed.

RESULTS: The diabetic group exhibited delayed wound healing as compared to the normal group. Interestingly, the diabetic group treated with topical MC extract showed better results than the nontreated group.

CONCLUSION: Results show that administration of MC extract improves and accelerates the process of wound healing in diabetic animals.