Kathy Abascal, B.S., J.D., R.H. (A.H.G.),
and Eric Yarnell, N.D., R.H. (A.H.G.)
Abstract
B
itter melon (Momordica charantia) has a long history of use
as a food and as a hypoglycemic agent. This article
reviews scientific evidence of its efficacy for treating dia-
betes mellitus and reviews studies on this plant’s effects on preg-
nancy and fertility, and use as an abortifacient, an understanding
of which is important to bitter melon’s safe use.
Introduction
Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is a complex plant medicine
that has a remarkably long history of use, both as a food and as a
medicine. Many plants are used as foods and medicines. Typical-
ly, such plants tend to be supportive, tonic, and nourishing in
nature. They work effectively but seldom have strong hypo-
glycemic properties or strong effects on the reproductive tract.
Bitter melon is unusual because it is widely consumed as food
but also has a long history of use for conditions such as diabetes,
psoriasis, and infections, as well as for menstrual cycle regula-
tion, addressing infertility, and inducing abortions. Modern sci-
ence is just beginning to investigate the plant’s many uses, and
much remains to be learned about it.
The native habitat for bitter melon is not known. The plant is
cultivated throughout the tropics, especially in China, India, East
Africa, Central America, and South America.
1
Bitter melon has
many different common names, reflecting its widespread use in
numerous cultures. The fruit has a bitter taste (as its name clearly
conveys) and, for the most part, its palatability is said to be “an
acquired taste.” In southern China, the melon is commonly eaten
to cool the body.
2
There are many recipes for using bitter melon (see box entitled
A Bitter Melon Recipe) but it is difficult to find data that shows
how frequently the plant is eaten typically. Although it is com-
mon, bitter melon does not appear to be a daily staple. It does,
however, seem to be eaten several times a week when it is in sea-
son (personal communication, James A. Duke, Ph.D., Fulton,
Maryland, May 2005). This is important because plants that are
widely consumed as foods have built-in safety testing by hun-
dreds of generations of people. It seems that bitter melon is suffi-
ciently common in the diet to provide some evidence of its safety
for general use. When prepared as a food, only the fruit is eaten
and the seeds are discarded.
3
The many uses of bitter melon include treating diabetes melli-
tus, and this article focuses on that use. Historically, bitter melon
was used also variously as an aphrodisiac, an abortifacient, an
emmenagogue, and a galactogogue. This article reviews the
melon’s effects on the reproductive tract briefly because these
effects may have significant implications on its appropriateness
as a daily medicine for use in patients with diabetes.
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes is a complex disease that affects millions of people. It,
of course, exists in two major forms: insulin-dependent diabetes
mellitus (IDDM) and noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
(NIDDM). Bitter melon may have a valuable role to play in
addressing both forms of the condition.
There are only a few clinical studies on bitter melon use for
treating diabetes, and the studies are small and do not meet the
criteria for reliability. Nonetheless, these studies appear to con-
firm consistently the widespread folk use of bitter melon for
addressing diabetes.
In an open-label crossover trial, 27 patients with NIDDM were
randomly assigned to two groups.
4
One group drank 200 mL of
dried fruit tea (with seeds) after each major meal while the other
group drank black tea (Camellia sinensis). Crossover began at the
end of 12 weeks without a washout period. Fasting blood sugar
and elevated liver transaminase (serum glutamic pyruvic
transaminase) levels decreased but these effects did not reach sta-
tistical significance. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C)
decreased significantly in the active group. Adverse effects were
increases in frequency and softness of stools.
In another study, 5 patients with NIDDM were given 15 g of
powdered dried fruit in 3 equal doses per day and 7 were given
100 mL of decocted fresh fruit (100 g/100 mL) once daily for 21
days. The postprandial blood sugar levels of the patients on pow-
dered fruit dropped 25 percent but this was without statistical
significance.
The fall in blood sugar was 54 percent in the aqueous-
extract–treated group, a highly significant drop, and blood sugar
levels were restored to normal within 3–7 weeks. Patients in this
179
Using Bitter Melon
to Treat Diabetes
GJ 11_4_toc2-215 7/26/05 11:08 AM Page 179
group had mild (fasting blood glucose [FBG] of 260 mg%) to
severe (FBG of 433 mg%) diabetes at the start of the trial. The
researchers noted that there appeared to be a time-related cumu-
lative response to the aqueous extract. Glycosylated hemoglobin
decreased in both groups. The researchers stated that the hypo-
glycemic properties of bitter melon could not be attributed to a
single principle.
Nine (9) patients whose diabetes was controlled by diet (n = 1)
or chlorpropamide (n = 3), tolubamide (n = 3), glibenclamide (n =
1), or glymidine (n = 1) were given glucose tolerance tests.
5
The
first test was standard and the second was given after the sub-
jects ate fried bitter melon (0.23 kg/day) for 7–11 weeks. Patients
discontinued any drugs 48 hours before the test, fasted, and
refrained from smoking the night before each test. In addition,
two patients underwent a third test after taking bitter melon juice
(0.9 kg fresh fruit, with the seeds removed, yielding 200–250 mL
of fresh juice).
The study showed that the juice significantly improved glu-
cose tolerance and the fried melon somewhat improved glucose
tolerance. Serum insulin levels did not increase, suggesting that
bitter melon may have influenced hepatic or peripheral glucose
disposal directly. This is doubly important because any agents
180 ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES—AUGUST 2005
A Bitter Melon Recipe
Ingredients
Bitter melon—1lb
Salt—2 tsp
Turmeric—1 tsp fresh minced or 1/2 tsp dried
Mustard—1/2 tsp
Red chili powder—1 tsp
Asafoetida—3/4 tsp
Preparation
Cut bitter melon into fine pieces. Add salt, turmeric powder, and
let the mixture alone for 15 minutes. Heat 2 tsp of olive oil in a frying
pan, add mustard seeds, and when the mixture pops, add 3/4 of a tsp
of asafoetida. Squeeze the water out from the bitter melon and add it
to the oil. Add red chili powder and fry well until fully cooked.
Miscellaneous Pharmacological Studies on Bitter Melon
Extract Model Effect Reference
75–80% mogroside
a
extracts of Multiple in vitro assays; iron Antioxidant in general and against lipid Shi et al., 1996
b
Momordica grosvenori fruit induced epileptic rat model peroxidation specifically at various
concentrations
Dried, de-seeded, Momordica Writhing and tail clip assays in Methanol extract (10:1) an Biswas et al., 1991
c
charantia unripe fruit extracted rats and mice effective analgesic
with benzene, methanol, or
50% ethanol
Fresh Momordica charantia fruit Assays of enzyme activity from Increased CYP1A1, 2B1, 2E1, 3A4, 4A2 Raza et al., 1996
d
juice (apparently without seeds) livers of streptozotocin-diabetic expression, increased phase II enzyme
rats activity (glutathione-S-transferase and
others)
Dried, powdered, de-seeded In vitro cup-plate antibacterial assay; Combination more effective than single Sankaranarayanan and Jolly,
Momordica. charantia fruit mixed streptozotocin-diabetic rats herbs for inhibiting Pseudomonas 1993
e
with equal parts dried, powdered aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylo-
Emblica officinalis (amla) and coccus aureus, and Escherichia coli and
Curcuma longa (turmeric) for improving blood glucose in all but
one case (E. officinalis more effective
alone against B. subtilis)
Dried whole M. charantia Rat ulcerogenesis by administration Honey extract, olive oil extract, and dried- Gürbüz et al., 2000
f
fruits then powdered (some of 96% ethanol, indomethacin, fruit tincture (95% ethanol) had significant
extracted in honey and other hydrochloric acid, and/or diethyl- anti-ulcerogenic activity
solvents), freeze-dried, or extracted dithiocarbamate
in olive oil (fresh fruit)
Protein extract of seeds of In vitro HIV and reverse tran- Ribosome inactivating protein MRK29 Jiratchariyakul et al., 2001
g
M. charantia scriptase inhibited reverse transcriptase and HIV
p24 expression; some immunomodulatory
effects noted
Dried whole fruit M. Liver cancer cells in vitro Inhibited cancer cell growth West et al., 1971
h
charantia powder
a
Sweet-tasting glycosides;
b
Shi H, Hiramatsu M, Komatsu M, Kayama T. Antioxidant property of fructus momordicae extract. Biochem Molec Biol Int 1996;40:111–421;
c
Biswas AR,
Ramaswamy S, Bapna JS. Analgesic effect of Momordica charantia seed extract in mice and rats. J Ethnopharmacol 1991;31:115–118;
d
Raza H, Ahmed I, Lakhani MS, et al. Effect of bitter
melon (Momordica charantia) fruit juice on the hepatic cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenases and glutathione S-transferases in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Biochem
Pharmacol 1996;52:1639–1642;
e
Sankaranarayanan J, Jolly CI. Phytochemical, antibacterial and pharmacological investigations Momordica charantia Linn, Emblica officinalis Gaertn, and
Curcuma longa Linn. Indian J Pharm Sci 1993;55:6–13;
f
Gürbüz I, Çigdem A, Yesilada E, Sener B. Anti-ulcerogenic effect of Momordica charantia L fruits on various ulcer models in rats. J
Ethnopharmacol 2000;71:77–82;
g
Jiratchariyakul W, Wiwat C, Vongsakul, et al. HIV inhibitor from Thai bitter gourd. Planta Med 2001;67:350–353;
h
West ME, Sidrak GH, Street SPW.
The anti-growth properties of extracts from Momordica charantia. West Indian J Med 1971;20:25–34.
GJ 11_4_toc2-215 7/26/05 11:08 AM Page 180
that stimulate insulin release (so-called insulin secretagogues)
may worsen insulin resistance in patients with NIDDM and
accelerate beta-cell loss in patients with IDDM. Glycosylated
hemoglobin also decreased suggesting an extrapancreatic
action.
In a study involving traditional Sri Lankan practitioners, 18
patients recently diagnosed with NIDDM but not yet given pre-
scriptions for conventional medication fasted overnight and
drank 100 mL of water before taking a standard glucose tolerance
test (50 g of glucose).
6
The next day, again after an overnight fast,
the patients drank 100 mL of homogenized bitter melon fruit
juice prepared without the seeds.
The patients were comprised of two groups: responders
and nonresponders. The total data showed that the area
under the glucose tolerance curves was significantly lower
although complete data were not provided in the study
report. The researchers concluded that the results, nonethe-
less, gave some scientific validity to using bitter melon as an
oral hypoglycemic agent by traditional Sri Lankan practition-
ers.
The authors of an abstract reported that bitter melon seeds
were investigated in the hope that they could be substituted for
the fruit, which is seasonal. The seeds (dose not stated) reduced
postprandial blood glucose levels (from approximately 350 mg%
to approximately 150 mg%) in patients with IDDM (n = 6) and
NIDDM (n = 20) but that the fasting blood glucose returned to
normal by the next day. Adverse effects were minor and consist-
ed of headaches.
Bitter melon contains a protein that is structurally and phar-
macologically similar to bovine insulin.
7
It is often referred to
as “v-insulin” and research is ongoing to determine if this
type of insulin may be suitable for patients who do not toler-
ate, or for philosophical reasons prefer not to use, animal-
sourced insulin. In a small study, 9 patients (6 with juvenile
onset, 1 maturity onset, and 2 asymptomatic IDDM) were
given v-insulin subcutaneously. Five (5) healthy and 5 patients
with overt diabetes served as controls and were given a place-
bo injection.
A hypoglycemic effect in the treatment group was observed
that started 30–60 minutes after injection but peaked after 4–12
hours (compared to 2–3 hours for regular insulin).
In another study, subcutaneous v-protein produced a hypo-
glycemic effect in a small controlled study (n = 19) of juvenile
and maturity onset IDDM.
8
One (1) juvenile patient who suffered
side-effects when on bovine insulin (swelling, stomach pain, and
bouts of hypoglycemia) was maintained on v-protein for 5
months without experiencing any adverse effects.
Finally, it was reported that a patient on chlorpropamide
noticed a synergistic effect when consuming a curry made
with bitter melon and garlic (Allium sativum).
6
Bitter melon tea
had a significant hypoglycemic effect in 2 small children (3
and 4 years’ old) who drank a tea of the leaves and vine on an
empty stomach. An hour or two after ingestion, the children
had convulsions followed by coma. Their blood sugar was
approximately 1 mM (normal is 3.8–5.5 mM); both children
recovered.
1
Preclinical Studies
There are many animal studies on bitter melon’s effect on the
course of diabetes. These studies are usually of better design than
the clinical studies. However, the animal studies also have cer-
tain flaws.
In the pharmacologic studies, bitter melon was also prepared
and dispensed in a variety of ways. This reflects the fact that bit-
ter melon was prepared in a variety of ways as a traditional dia-
betes medicine. In some cultures, the fruit was crushed and
strained to produce a juice. Sometimes, the fruit was fried and
consumed. In many cultures, the fruit was chopped and soaked
in water, sometimes cold, sometimes decocted; sometimes with
seeds, sometimes without. In other cultures, the whole plant was
used in a similar manner.
1
The heterogeneity in forms of bitter
melon studied makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions about
its mode of action, best form, and dose. However, the over-
whelming majority of studies tended to confirm traditional wis-
dom regarding using bitter melon for addressing diabetes
regardless of dose form.
These animal studies have shown, variously, that bitter melon
inhibits glucose absorption, promotes glucose utilization in the
liver, contains an insulin-like polypeptide, increases pancreatic
insulin secretion, and may increase beta-cell production in the
ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES—AUGUST 2005 181
Bitter melon (Momordica charantia). Drawing by Eric Yarnell, N.D.,
R.H. (A.H.G.). ©2005.
GJ 11_4_toc2-215 7/26/05 11:08 AM Page 181
182 ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES—AUGUST 2005
Common Names for Momordica
Name Country Name Country
African cucumber United States Amargoso Philippines
Ampalaya Philippines Art pumpkin West Indies
Asorosi, Assorossi Haiti Balsam apple West Indies
Balsam pear Australia, Bahamas, Thailand,
United States Balsambirne Bahamas
Balsamina India, Peru Balsamino Panama
Ban kareli India Baramasiya India
Barbof Senegal Bitter cucumber Thailand
Bitter gourd Fiji, India, Thailand,
United States Bitter pear melon Taiwan
Bobobo Ivory Coast Broomweed Nicaragua
Caprika West Indies Carailla Guyana
Carilla United States, West Indies Cerasee Bahamas, Bimini, Jamaica,
Trinidad, West Indies
Concombre West Indies Condiamor Belize, Guatemala
Coraillie West Indies Cun de amor Puerto Rico
Cundeamor Brazil, Cuba, Mexico, Puerto
Rico, United States Embusabusu Congo-Brazzaville
Eyezom Guinea Futoreishi Japan
Kakara India Kakayi Nigeria
Kakiral India Kakle East Africa
Kakral India Karala India
Karawila Sri Lanka Karela Fiji, India, Nepal, United States,
West Indies
Kuguazi West Indies Lenzaa Congo-Brazzaville
Ku gua China Liang gua China
Lumba-lumba East Africa Lumbuzi Thailand
Ma ra Thailand Machete Puerto Rico
Maiden apple United States, Virgin Islands Maiden’s blush United States
Makalaska Nicaragua Manamat East Africa
Mange kuli West Indies Mara khee nok Thailand
Mara Thailand Margoze Rodrigues Islands
Mbosa Congo-Brazzaville Mbunbulu Congo-Brazzaville
Melao-de-sao caetano Brazil Meleni Brazil
Mexicaine West Indies Miniklalasni Nicaragua
Miniklalasni Nicaragua Momotica Curacao
Nagareishi Japan Nania nania Ivory Coast
Nyanyra Togo Nyinya East Africa
Okookoo Nigeria Panaminik Nicaragua
Papyilla Peru Paprika West Indies
Paroka Guadeloupe Pavakkachedi India
Periya Laut Malaysia Pom kouli Guadeloupe
Pomme nerveille West Indies Pomme z’indiens West Indies
Pomme-coolie Guadelopupe Quisaul-barri India, Saudi Arabia
Saga Saudi Arabia Serimentok India
Seripupa India Sorosi Nicaragua
Sorrow see Belize Sushavi India
Tasplira Nicaragua Uchhe India
Ulhimar India Wild balsam pear Bahamas
Yesquin Haiti Zague zrou Ivory Coast
Source: Ross IA. Medicinal Plants of the World. Totowa, NJ: Human Press, 1999; used with permission.
GJ 11_4_toc2-215 7/26/05 11:08 AM Page 182
pancreas.
9,10
However, an
increase in blood levels of
insulin has not been
observed, and the exact
mechanism whereby bitter
melon affects blood sugar
remains unclear. Overall,
the combined observa-
tions made traditionally,
in clinical and animal
studies, strongly suggest
that bitter melon has a role
to play in diabetes treat-
ment.
Another facet of bitter
melon is that it may miti-
gate diabetic complications.
Diabetes is associated with
irreversible functional and
structural changes in the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and blood vessels,
and bitter melon appeared to, potentially, mitigate aspects of these
complications in various animal models. These results are very pre-
liminary and cannot support a recommendation for use to prevent
diabetic complications. Nonetheless, although these studies are
highly preliminary, they are promising and additional research is
definitely needed to investigate this aspect of bitter melon. It should
also be noted these benefits may be secondary to improved blood
glucose control.
For instance, diabetes is the leading cause of end-stage renal
disease.
11
Mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes have ele-
vated serum creatinine, urinary albumin, urine volume, and
renal weight compared to normal mice. Mice treated with bitter
melon had significantly improved, albeit not normalized, val-
ues for these parameters. Diabetic neuropathy causes limb pain,
sexual dysfunction, and other negative symptoms. Tail flick
latency increases substantially (by 74 percent) in mice who have
diabetes. A mouse study showed that an aqueous extract of bit-
ter melon (200 mg/kg) significantly reduced this increase, rais-
ing the possibility that future research may someday reveal that
bitter melon can provide a benefit for patients with diabetic
neuropathy.
11
Another diabetic complication is diabetic enteropathy, which
results in a syndrome of dyspepsia, heartburn, nausea, vomiting,
abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and fecal incontinence.
Bitter melon was used in traditional medicines to improve gas-
trointestinal function, and it may provide some benefit for
patients who have diabetic enteropathy.
The transit time of mice with diabetes was reduced by 83 per-
cent compared to normal mice in one animal study.
11
Aqueous
bitter melon extract almost renormalized the animals’ transit
time while also reducing their blood glucose levels. In a rat
model of syndrome X (hyperglycemia associated with hyperinsu-
linemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and obesity), aqueous bitter
melon extract (400 mg/day) fed to rats on a fructose rich diet pre-
vented hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia compared to the
effects experienced by control rats.
11
Finally, diabetes is an important risk factor for cataracts. In one
experiment, aqueous bitter melon extract delayed somewhat the
onset of cataracts in rats with alloxan-induced diabetes (120 days
to onset compared to 100 days in controls).
12
In a second study,
high doses of bitter melon fruit (4 g/kg) for 2 months also
delayed the onset in rats who had diabetes (140–180 days com-
pared to 90–100 days).
13
Reproductive Effects and Other Safety Issues
Bitter melon has been used in traditional medicine to treat a
seemingly contradictory range of reproductive problems. The
melon is reported to have been used as an aphrodisiac, to treat
infertility, as an emmenagogue, as a galactogogue, and as an
abortifacient. Often, the leaves, vine, and seeds were used for
these purposes.
14
In considering whether and how to use bitter
melon in patients with diabetes, it is important to consider
ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES—AUGUST 2005 183
Some Traditional Uses for Bitter Melon
Traditional uses Countries
Abortifacient Australia, Bahamas, Bimini, Brazil,
East Africa, India, Philippines
Anthelmintic Australia, Brazil, Fiji, India, Iraq
Anti-inflammatory Thailand
Aphrodisiac Africa, Brazil, Mexico
Appetite, stimulant Haiti
Treatment for colds Brazil
Treatment for diabetes Asia, Belize, Bimini, England, Fiji,
Guadeloupe, India, Mexico
Treatment for dysentery Fiji, Mexico
Emetic Australia, Brazil, India
Emmenagogue Bahamas, Costa Rica, Cuba, India,
Philippines
Treatment for eye infections Haiti
Treatment for Fevers Bimini, Brazil, Haiti
Treatment for fungal disease, Guatemala
skin problems
Galactagogue India
Treatment for Hypertension Curacao, Fiji
Insecticide Brazil
Treatment for jaundice India
Treatment for leprosy- Brazil, India, Iraq
associated pain
Treatment for liver ailments Haiti, India, Panama
Treatment for malaria Brazil, Ghana, Togo, Venezuela
Treatment for menstrual Congo
irregularities
Treatment for pneumonia India
Treatment for rheumatism Brazil, India
Treatment for sterility in Cuba
women
Vulnerary Brazil, Guam, Philippines
Source: Ross IA. Medicinal Plants of the World. Totowa, NJ: Human Press, 1999; used
with permission.
Bitter melon (Momordica charantia).
GJ 11_4_toc2-215 7/26/05 11:08 AM Page 183
research showing that the plant has definite, although poorly elu-
cidated, negative reproductive effects. These effects must also be
evaluated in light of the fact that bitter melon is frequently con-
sumed as a food but does not have a reputation for being an
inappropriate food for pregnant women or individuals planning
to have children.
Mice fed bitter melon juice daily had a decline in fertility rate
from 90 percent to 20 percent. Mice who did conceive bore nor-
mal litters and normal fertility rates returned when the bitter
melon was not given to the mice.
15
Bitter melon extract (1.75
g/day for 60 days) inhibited spermatogenesis in dogs and was
associated with testicular lesions. After 60 days, the semniferous
tubules were completely devoid of sperm.
16
Bitter melon has been shown to contain several proteins
(alpha- and beta-momorcharins) that induce midterm abortion
and terminate early pregnancy in mice.
17–19
The early termina-
tion results from negative effects on embryo implantation and on
the endometrium. Embryos that did implant had retarded devel-
opment. Bitter melon juice (6 mL/kg by mouth) caused uterine
hemorrhage and death in 2 pregnant female rabbits but did not
have that effect on nonpregnant rabbits.
20
However, the majority
of rabbits fed bitter melon juice continuously died within 23
days, and rats given the juice intraperitoneally (15–40 mL/kg)
died within 6–18 hours.
1
In patients using bitter melon for its antiviral properties in
HIV, no apparent toxicity was observed even with long-term
treatment (n = 3).
1
One (1) patient had no change in blood chem-
istry or any adverse symptoms after taking bitter melon daily for
more than 3 years. These patients were taking a powder that
combined the water and alcohol-soluble parts of the whole plant,
with 1 g of powder being equal to 25 g of fresh plant. The actual
dose taken by the patients was not disclosed.
Vicine is a compound that can induce favism in genetically sus-
ceptible individuals. Vicine (or a vicine-like) compound has been
isolated from bitter melon seed and caution should be used in indi-
viduals who may be predisposed to favism.
11
There are, however,
no reports of favism induced by the ingestion of bitter melon.
Conclusions
There are strong indications that bitter melon may be highly
useful in addressing diabetes. The seeded fruit has a long history
of use as a food eaten with some frequency, and aqueous extracts
of bitter melon appear to have a significant hypoglycemic effect.
In addition, there are some (albeit very weak) indications that bit-
ter melon extracts may protect patients against some of the com-
plications of diabetes.
We feel comfortable recommending seeded bitter melon as a
food or as a tea to older patients with NIDDM. A daily dose of
bitter melon tea may be prepared by boiling 100 g of diced fruit
in 200 ml of water until the liquid is reduced by half. However,
given the plant’s potential abortifacient effects and ability to
reduce fertility in animals, we would not, at this time, recom-
mend daily use of bitter melon to younger patients or patients
possibly interested in having children. ■
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Kathy Abascal, B.S., J.D., R.H. (A.H.G.), is executive director of the
Botanical Medicine Academy, Vashon, Washington. Eric Yarnell, N.D.,
R.H. (A.H.G.), is president of the Botanical Medicine Academy, a special-
ty board for using medicinal herbs, and is an adjunct faculty member
member at Bastyr University, Kenmore, Washington.
To order reprints of this article, write to or call: Karen Ballen, ALTERNA-
TIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., 140
Huguenot Street, 3rd Floor, New Rochelle NY 10801, (914) 740-2100.
184 ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES—AUGUST 2005
GJ 11_4_toc2-215 7/26/05 11:08 AM Page 184
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- ... Amongst these, bittermelon is one of the most popular herbal plants used by hakims for preparation of anti-diabetic medicines in India. Bitter melon juice has been reported to be more effective than other forms as it reacts faster than any other formulation [18]. The beneficial effect of bitter melon has been reported due to its ability to maintain the structural integrity of the pancreatic islets and regulating the synthesis and release of pancreatic hormones [19]. ...ArticleFull-text available
- May 2018
- ... M. Charantia (bitter melon or bitter gourd) (Figure 1) is a flowering vine in the family Cucurbitaceae. It is a tropical plant that is widely cultivated in Asia, India, East Africa, and South America for its intensely bitter fruits that are commonly used in cooking and as a natural remedy for treating diabetes[20]. It is a climbing perennial that usually grows up to 5 m, and bears elongated fruits with a knobbly surface. ...
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