Evaluation of antidiabetic activity of the ethanol extract of Momordica charantia L. and the identification of charantine by gas chromatography coupled with Mass spectrometry

The aerial parts of Momordica charantia L. are very often used in traditional Congolese medicine for their multiple virtues. Our study focused on the identification of a well-known antidiabetic molecule: the charantine and also the antidiabetic properties of the ethanol extract of M. charantia L. After being treated with MSTFA (N-Methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl) trifluoroacetamide) and using gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry, the analysis of the extract of the leafy stem of M. charantia L., var abreviata, harvested in Brazzaville (Congo) led to the identification of a recognized antidiabetic molecule stigmasterol glucoside or β sitosterol: the charantine. When testing the ethanolic extract on albino Wistar rats that were made diabetic by injecting the streptozotocin, this reduces glycemia significantly by 51.62% after three hours. The significant results of the antidiabetic tests and the identification of the charantine in the plant justify its use in the traditional medicine in Congo Brazzaville. Key words: Momordica charantia L, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, charantine, antidiabetic.