Comparative anti-anaemic activity of methanolic extracts of Momordica charantia and Luffa acutangula

Abstract

The present research work mainly focused on the preparation of methanolic extracts of Momordica charantia and Luffa acutangula fruits and their pharmacological evaluation for anti-anaemic property individually. The methanolic extracts were prepared by simple maceration process. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extracts showed the presence of various phytochemicals. Antianaemic activity was evaluated on wistar rats using phenyl hydrazine induced anaemia model. The results of extract treated groups were compared with that of the anaemic group. Dexorange syrup was used as standard. Blood samples were collected through retro-orbital puncture from rats on day 0, 2, 7, 14, 21 and 28 of treatment and subjected to analysis of red blood cell count, haemoglobin and hematocrit using 3-part haematology analyzer. A significant increase in red blood cell count, haemoglobin and hematocrit was observed in rats treated with methanolic extract of Momordica charantia and Luffa acutangula when compared to that of the untreated anaemic group. Momordica charantia showed more anti-anaemic effect when compared to Luffa acutangula. Thus from the present study, it was concluded that the Momordica charantia and Luffa acutangula showed significant anti-anaemic activity.