The protective effect of Momordica charantia L. (bitter melon) extract

Diabetes mellitus is the most common disorder in developed and developing countries, and the disease is increasing rapidly in most parts of the world. It has been estimated that up to one-third of patients with diabetes mellitus use some form of complementary and alternative medicine. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disorder of the carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism that contributes to several kinds of complications including male defective reproductive capacity. In fact, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus is frequently linked with sexual and reproductive dysfunctions in malehumans and experimental animals in the form ofsterility, erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, semen alterations due to decreased serum androgen levels and impairment of spermatogenesis. This study was designed to evaluate the potential protective/ameliorative effect of bitter melon extract administration on testicular damage induced by experimental diabetes in rats