Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate effect of the Momordica charantia (MC) capsules, combined with insulin hormone and a high-fiber diet on the treatment of diabetic dogs.  Twenty-five client-owned dogs with naturally occurring diabetes mellitus were entered into the study.  All dogs were fed with a commercially available restricted-fat high-fiber diet and received insulin subcutaneously once a day. Twenty dogs in the treatment group received 200 mg/kg body weight (BW) of MC capsules orally every 12 h with meals for two months. The other 5 dogs were in the control group and received only insulin therapy. The fasting blood glucose levels, serum fructosamine concentrations, serum chemistry profiles and complete blood counts were obtained monthly. Serial blood glucose curves were performed to adjust insulin doses for an individual’s requirement monthly for 2 months. After receiving the MC capsules (200 mg/kg BW/day) for 2 months, the serum fructosamine and fasting blood glucose concentrations were significantly lower than those in the control group and those before treatment. The results obtained from complete blood count and serum chemistry profiles were not significantly different between the control and treatment groups, except for the alkaline phosphatase enzyme (ALP) levels. The ALP levels in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group throughout the study. In conclusion, the use of the MC capsule at 200 mg/kg BW/day combined with restricted-fat high-fiber diet improved glycemic control more efficiently than diabetic treatment with insulin alone.

Key words: Momordica charantia, serum fructosamine, diabetes mellitus, dogs.