Hypophagic and weight reducing effect of Momardica charinta fruit by Enhancing 5-HT neurotransmitter in rats brain

Abstract

Momardica charint seed as vegetable and folk medicine in Pakistan, India, China, Bangladesh and other Asian countries Momardica charinta also known as Kerala, bittergourd ,balsam pear. It possesses many biological active constituents including glycosides, saponins, phenolic and flavonoids compound, protein, triterpenes, steroid, saponins, alkaloid. It also contain thiamine ,beta carotene, folate, riboflavin, calcium, iron, potassium, zinc and fiber. Several studies have been done to show medicinal importance of its fruit which has different biological functions such as antidiabetes antihypertension, antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal infection, anti-tumorous as well as anti-carcinogenic effects. The present research is big contribution of Momardicacharinta activity as weight reducing plant through serotonergic neurotransmitter Decrease in body weight and food intake might be due to increased concentration of serotonin in their respective receptors in brain, which produce hypophagic effect in rats treated with water extract of Momardicacharinttia. More animal and human trials needed to confirm ,the safety and antiobesity effect of MC and the role of neurotransmitter involve in reduction of body weight.