Bitter melon — an exotic plant that lowers blood sugar?

Aim of the study: Momordica charantia L. (M. charantia) has traditionally been used as a medicinal treatment for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study was designed to provide a GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of M. charantia intake on glycemic measures and the lipid profile of patients with T2DM.

Results: A total of eight trials involving 423 patients with T2DM were included in this study. Compared with the control group, M. charantia supplementation led to significant reductions in fasting blood glucose (FBG) (WMD: -0.85 mmol/L; 95%CI: -1.44, -0.26; p = 0.005; I2 = 73.4 %), postprandial glucose (PPG) (WMD: -2.28 mmol/L; 95%CI: -3.35, -1.21; p = 0.000; I2 = 66.9 %), glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (WMD: -0.38 %; 95%CI: -0.53, -0.23; p = 0.000; I2 = 37.6 %), and total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: -0.38 mmol/L; 95%CI: -0.70, -0.07; p = 0.017; I2 = 63.6 %). These results remained statistically significant after applying the Hartung-Knapp adjustment. However, no significant differences were observed in triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The findings suggest that M. charantia could be a potential alternative for people with T2DM, particularly those with elevated total cholesterol levels.

Aim of the study: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasingly popular for managing diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of all types of complementary and alternative medicine for blood sugar control in diabetes mellitus.

Results: securigera), Nigella sativa, mulberry juice, chicory, chamomile tea, and bell pepper juice combined with an integrated approach to yoga therapy. Mind-body practices such as auditory guided imagery (AGI), qigong and tai chi exercises, and relaxation. A whole-system approach, such as acupressure. Healthcare providers consider CAM for DM management.

Aim of the study: This study investigated the effects of bitter melon extract (BME) on glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, and various metabolic measures in participants with prediabetes. A 12-week randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study was conducted with patients with prediabetes.

Results: Results showed that blood glucose levels during the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) decreased in the BME group after 12 weeks. Glucose levels 30 min after glucose intake decreased significantly. In the BME group, glucagon levels also decreased significantly 120 min after the 75 g OGTT at 12 weeks. These results suggest that bitter melon lowers blood glucose by suppressing glucagon levels in people with prediabetes.

Aim of the study: Momordica charantia (bitter melon) is widely used for its blood-sugar-lowering effects. This study assessed the effectiveness and safety of M. charantia as an add-on treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Results: There were no differences in age, sex, or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels between the bitter melon extract and placebo groups. After 12 weeks of treatment with bitter melon extract, HbA1c levels in both the bitter melon and placebo groups remained unchanged; however, average fasting glucose levels in the bitter melon group decreased (p = 0.014). No serious adverse events were reported during the treatment period. Our data showed that bitter melon lowers blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Aim of the study: Background/Objectives: Interactions between botanical supplements and standard antidiabetic treatments remain poorly understood. This study investigated the effectiveness and mechanisms of a bitter melon blood-sugar-modulating protein (BMP) in relation to concurrent metformin use for improving glucose and lipid metabolism.

Results: In the clinical cohort, BMP supplementation was associated with modest reductions in HbA1c and lipid measures, primarily among participants also taking metformin. Given the retrospective, self-controlled design and baseline clinical differences between treatment groups, these clinical findings show observational associations rather than causal effects. Overall, this study is the first to show that BMP, a major protein component of bitter melon, has complementary metabolic effects when combined with first-line antidiabetic treatment in animal models. By also identifying a corresponding observational association in human clinical settings, this work lays an important foundation for research into nutritional proteins.

Aim of the study: Bitter melon (BM) was tested in normal rats and rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. First, normal and diabetic Wistar rats were given four test extracts (EX-1-EX-4) of wild-type BM or metformin by intubation.

Results: Only EX-4 significantly lowered angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity. All active treatment groups showed significant effects in the losartan challenge (the renin-angiotensin system [RAS]), with the greatest effect in the EX-4 group. In the N(ω)-nitro-l-arginine-methyl ester challenge, only EX-4 had a significant effect on the nitric oxide system, suggesting higher activity in this group. In the STZ-induced diabetic rat model, wild-type BM powerfully lowered glucose levels. In healthy adult rats, wild-type BM had beneficial effects on blood glucose regulation, RAS and ACE inhibition, and nitric oxide generation.

Aim of the study: Bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) is a vegetable that has been used in traditional medicine. We recently reported that bitter melon fruit extracts and their ethyl acetate (EtOAc)-soluble fraction strongly suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory genes, including the inducible nitric oxide synthase gene.

Results: When the EtOAc-soluble fraction was given to ob/ob mice, a model of type 2 diabetes mellitus, for 7 days, the mice fed this fraction showed a significant decrease in body weight and blood glucose concentrations compared with mice that were not fed the fraction. Giving the fraction significantly increased serum insulin concentrations and the levels of both insulin receptor mRNA and protein in the ob/ob mouse liver. The EtOAc-soluble fraction lowered interleukin-1β mRNA expression and hepatic lipid accumulation in liver cells. Taken together, these results show that the EtOAc-soluble fraction improved hyperglycemia and fatty liver, suggesting that this fraction may be responsible for both the antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory effects of bitter melon fruit.

Aim of the study: Bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) has been shown to have various health-promoting effects, including antidiabetic and blood-sugar-lowering effects. Improved insulin sensitivity and increased glucose use in peripheral tissues have been reported, but its effect on insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells remains unclear.

Results: In the OGTT, BMFE and fraction A lowered blood glucose levels and increased serum insulin levels after glucose loading. The decrease in blood glucose was also observed in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. In addition, BMFE and fraction A increased ATP content in β-cells. We concluded that hydrophobic components of BMFE increase ATP production and boost insulin secretion from β-cells, thereby lowering blood glucose levels.

Aim of the study: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) involves progressive muscle wasting, metabolic disruption in peripheral tissues, chronic hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance. Momordica charantia is an antidiabetic agent whose use is often limited by its bitterness.

Results: EMS alleviated muscle atrophy by increasing muscle fiber area and was associated with increased expression or activity of the AMPK/Sirt1/PGC-1α and IRS-1/PI3K/AKT insulin pathways. It also suppressed FOXO3a-mediated expression of Atrogin-1 and MuRF1, suggesting reduced activation of protein degradation pathways. Moreover, EMS altered the gut microbiota, increasing the abundance of beneficial species such as Barnesiella intestinihominis. These findings suggest that EMS is a promising multitarget functional ingredient for metabolic complications and musculoskeletal decline in T2DM.

Aim of the study: Background/Objectives: Nutraceuticals, which consist of bioactive compounds or materials, are increasingly considered promising strategies for preventing and managing diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of a nutraceutical formulation (Sugar Care, SC) made up of indigestible maltodextrin, pumpkin extract, and bitter melon extract, using a mouse model of type 2 diabetes.

Results: In db/db mice, four weeks of SC administration significantly improved glucose tolerance and reduced fasting hyperinsulinemia and HOMA-IR values (p < 0.05). SC treatment also significantly lowered plasma fructosamine and TBARS levels, as well as total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings provide preclinical evidence that this multi-component nutraceutical formulation improves glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia in a genetic model of type 2 diabetes. Further mechanistic and translational studies are warranted.