Diabetes Information [Return To Home Page]

Medicinal Properties of Bitter Melon - Good for Diabetics


Bitter Melon is the English name of Momordica charantia, a climbing vine whose leaves and green fruits, although bitter, has been used to fight cancer, diabetes and many infectious diseases. It is also a powerful weapon against HIV/AIDS since some reports claim that bitter melon has substance Q. It is one of the most favorite egetables among the Chinese and the most popular herbal tea as well.

The fruits and leaves of bitter melon are a good source of minerals and vitamins, such as iron, calcium, phosphorus and Vitamin B. However, it is not known how much nutritional contents can actually be absorbed by the body's digestive system of the plant become some of these substances exist in unabsorbable form.

Does Bitter Melon have Medicinal Properties?

Yes. Books and articles about bitter melon states that the extract from the leaves or roots shrinks hemorrhoids. The juice from the leaves is also good to prevent and lessen cough, for fever and against roundworms. Reportedly, it is also used to treat sterility in women and alleviate liver problems. Likewise, bitter melon has some antimicrobial activity and can help infected wounds.

However, none of the medicinal uses of bitter melon has been proven scientifically, although they have not been disproved, either. It's just that it has not been studied enough.

Is it true that bitter melon tea and capsules are effective in lowering blood sugar of diabetics?

There is one case where it is proven that it can lower blood sugar levels from people suffering from Type 2 Diabetes. Results of these scientific studies that determine the effect of drinking of bitter melon extract on blood sugar level of Type 2 Diabetes have consistently shown that bitter melon lowers blood sugar level. The effect on blood sugar is due to momordicin, a substance that is also responsible for it's bitter taste.

The effect of the bitter melon leaves lowering blood sugar level among diabetics is evident regardless of how it is prepared - boiled then eaten, in the form of tea, capsule or tablet. But diabetics should be cautioned about replacing their proprietary medicines with bitter melon teas, capsules or tablets. So far, studies were done only on a very limited number of human subjects so bitter melon and diabetes cannot be labeled conclusive.

In fact, no large clinical trial has yet been published on the preparation of Momordica charantia (bitter melon). The manufacturers of bitter melon teas, capsules and tablets themselves are not claiming healing benefits for their products. They market them only as supplements.

Are they really good substitutes fot the anti-diabetic drugs that are available in the market?

Bitter melon should be considered an addition in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It could probably reduce the patients intake of antidiabetic drugs. It should not however, be regarded as a stand-alone medicine.

Also, diabetics who want to try bitter melon need not to spend money on the teas, tablets or capsules. They can cultivate or buy the plant from the market and prepare it themselves.

To prepare bitter melon extract, the following steps should be followed:

  • Wash and finely chop the leaves.
  • Add 6 tablespoons of the chopped leaves in 2 glasses of water.
  • Boil it for 15 min. in an uncovered pot.
  • Cool down and strain.
  • Drink 1/3 cup of it 3x a day.

Alternately, bitter melon tops can be steamed and eaten (1/2 cup 2x a day).

About The Author:
Junji Takano is a Japanese health researcher and has been studying the causes of viruses since 1960s. In 1968, he invented Pyro-Energen, the first electrotherapy device that eradicates viral diseases in a non-narcotic way.
Click here to find out more: http://www.pyroenergen.com
Free newsletter: http://www.pyroenergen.com/newsletter.htm


MORE RESOURCES:

XOMA 052 Clinical Results Support New Type 2 Diabetes Therapeutic ...
MarketWatch - 4 hours ago
XOMA 052 addresses inflammation as an underlying cause of diabetes by targeting Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), a master signaling protein which triggers ...
Xoma says antibody lowers blood sugar in diabetics Reuters
Xoma’s Phase I biologic reduces glucose levels Pharma Times (subscription)
XOMA announces interim data from two Phase 1 clinical studies of ... RTT News
all 11 news articles


Biodel's diabetes drug VIAject meets goals
Reuters - 1 hour ago
O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) diabetes drug VIAject is as effective as Eli Lilly and Co's (LLY.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) Humulin ...


Pre-diabetes screening tests
Los Angeles Times, CA - 6 hours ago
The American Diabetes Assn. recommends that all men and women 45 and older (particularly those who are overweight) be screened every three years for ...
Painless Diabetes Test ABC30.com
all 2 news articles


Bristol, Astra diabetes pill promising in studies
Reuters - 2 hours ago
L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) experimental diabetes drug Onglyza significantly improves blood sugar control when added to older medicines, ...
UPDATE: AstraZeneca Onglyza Effective, Tolerated In Studies CNNMoney.com
all 6 news articles


Oneindia

Reliable Test To Spot Pre-Diabetes Developed
Oneindia, India - 7 hours ago
Lead researcher Gerald Hart says that early stages of the disease, scientifically known as "pre-diabetes", are characterised by increased reaction rates ...


TheMedGuru

Once-Weekly Diabetes Drug Boosts Blood Sugar Control
Washington Post, United States - 10 hours ago
7 (HealthDay News) -- A new once-a-week formulation of the injectable diabetes drug Byetta controls blood sugar even better than the older twice-a-day ...
Weekly jab offers hope for diabetes sufferers Telegraph.co.uk
New weekly treatment for type 2 diabetes works better than twice ... guardian.co.uk
Good News for People with Type 2 Diabetes: New Once-Weekly Jab TheMedGuru
News-Medical.net - Food Consumer
all 36 news articles


BBC News

Weekly diabetes jab hopes raised
BBC News, UK - 3 hours ago
It may be possible to replace twice a day jabs to control type 2 diabetes with a shot given just once a week, research suggests. ...
Weekly diabetes drug provides better blood sugar control, spurs ... The Canadian Press
Constant Blood-Sugar Monitoring Helps Adults Only in Study Bloomberg
New Study Demonstrates Glucose Device Rapidly Alleviates Major ... Newswise (press release)
all 13 news articles


Business to raise funds to combat juvenile diabetes
Lancaster Eagle Gazette, OH - 1 hour ago
By JEFFREY BARRON LANCASTER - Advance Auto Parts store manager Troy Jackson is planning a fun way to fight the serious issue of juvenile diabetes. ...


More than 4000 walk for diabetes cure
Peoria Journal Star, IL - 9 hours ago
Andriella was diganosed with juvenile diabetes last May, and the family formed a group called "Andri's Army" to support her among hundreds of other families ...
Walking for Juvenile Diabetes WEEK-TV
Walking for a Cure Central Illinois Proud
all 4 news articles


Diabetes course offered in October
Marshall News Messenger, TX - 10 hours ago
By Louraisel McDonald The number of people with diabetes has increased by three million in three years to a new high of 24 million, according to the Center ...
Education association members are headed to state competition Marshall News Messenger
Sign up for programs from wildlife to pesticide training Marshall News Messenger
all 3 news articles

Diabetes - Google News






home | site map
© 2006