Evaluation of the effects of Momordica balsamima linn. Extract on some biochemical parameters in mice.

Abstract

Medicinal plants can elicit changes in biochemical parameters and in the integrity of animal tissues on long term usage. Whole Mormodica balsamina, was extracted in ethyl acetate, methanol and hexane. The effects of these extracts on some biochemical parameters were investigated in mice. Eighty mice were divided into four groups (A, B, C and D) of twenty animals each. Group A mice were given normal saline (0.9% w/v NaCl) while group B, C and D were gavaged with the specific extracts each at 400mg/Kg/body weight for five weeks. Whole body weights, packed cell volume (PCV) and some biochemical parameters were analysed using standard methods. The results showed only minimal variations in PCV and total body weights of animals irrespective of the extracts. There were significant (p<0.05) variations in total proteins (5.14±2.16 mg/dL), triglycerides (126.55±2.61 mg/dL) and alkaline phosphatase (140.00±4.28 IU) in animals administered the ethyl acetate extract compared to the controls. The methanol extracts only caused an appreciable increase in total proteins (7.00±1.83 mg/dL) in week one of treatment but did not result in significant alterations of other parameters analysed. Similarly hexane extract significantly reduced triglyceride levels (130.68±1.23) in only week four of treatment. Histopatological examinations of kidney, liver and spleen in the ethyl acetate treated mice showed no associated lesions in these tissues. These results indicate that long term administration of the extracts of Mormodica balsamina at the safe dose of 400mg/Kg bw are not deleterious.