G. Shamlan (2026). The Biochemical Role of Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia L.) Aqueous Extract in Regulating Hepatic Gluconeogenesis in Rats Fed Ketogenic Diet. Food science & nutrition, 14(2), e71457. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.71457

PubMed 41684910

[Abstract]
The ketogenic diet (KD) has been suggested as a useful lifestyle intervention for metabolic syndrome; however, its long-term metabolic effects remain debated. This study evaluated the biochemical impact of supplementing KD-fed rats with a diluted aqueous extract of Bitter Melon (BM) on the regulation of hepatic gluconeogenesis. Thirty-two male rats were divided into four groups: G1 (Control), G2 (KD), G3 (BM extract, 1.5 g/kg body weight), and G4 (KD + BM extract, 1.5 g/kg body weight). Serum and liver samples were analyzed for biochemical parameters. KD reduced glucose, insulin, triglycerides (TG), Free Fatty Acids (FFA), glycogen, pyruvate carboxylase, and PEPCK, while elevating cholesterol (+34%), lactate, and ketone bodies (p < 0.05). BM supplementation partially restored glucose (+15%), insulin, TG, FFA, glycogen, and enzyme activity, while lowering cholesterol (-14%), lactate (-16%), and ketone bodies (-27%) (p < 0.05). Histological analysis confirmed improved liver architecture in BM-treated groups. BM aqueous extract counteracts KD-induced metabolic disturbances, improving glucose and lipid homeostasis and supporting its role as a safe adjunct to KD for long-term metabolic management.