Bitter melon, also known by the scientific name Momordica charantia, is a vegetable used in both in food and medicine. It's usually consumed in supplement form because to its bitter taste. It contains active compounds called steroidal saponins, which are responsible for most of its health effects. In addition, bitter melon has been used to treat diabetes as well as aid in digestion. Research indicates that bitter melon has effects that may improve overall health.
Breast Cancer
In the February 2010 issue of "Cancer Research," scientists from Saint Louis University exposed human breast cancer cells to bitter melon extract and found that the extract inhibited the growth of the cells and induced breast cancer cell death. The researchers suggest that bitter melon extract is a supplement that might be used to prevent breast cancer.
Diabetic Liver
Diabetes can damage the liver and may increase the risk for liver disease. Scientists from the Universiti Kebangsaan of Malaysia studied the affect of bitter melon extract on the livers of diabetic mice. They reported in the July-August 2009 issue of the journal, "La Clinica Terapeutica," that diabetic mice who consumed bitter melon extract for 10 days experienced improvements in liver function compared to diabetic mice who were not treated with bitter melon extract.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a condition characterized by chronically high blood sugar levels due to the body's inability to use insulin properly. In a study reported in the March 2008 issue of the "International Journal of Chemistry and Biology," researchers from Garvan Institute of Medical Research discovered that bitter melon contains compounds that activate the enzyme AMPK, which enhances glucose uptake by cells. This in turn reduces blood sugar levels in the body.
Side Effects
Although bitter melon extract has several benefits, it might cause hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar levels in the body, according to a study published in the February 2003 issue of the "American Journal of Health System Pharmacy." Consult your health care provider before taking bitter melon extract.
References
- "Cancer Research"; Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) Extract Inhibits Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation By Modulating Cell Cycle Regulatory Genes and Promotes Apoptosis; R.B. Ray et al.; February 2010
- "La Clinica Terapeutica"; A Histological Study of the Structural Changes in the Liver of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats Treated with or without Momordica Charantia (Bitter Gourd); S.L. Teoh et al.; July 2009
- "International Journal of Chemistry and Biology"; Antidiabetic Activities of Triterpenoids Isolated from Bitter Melon Associated with Activation of the AMPK Pathway; M.J. Tan et al.; March 2008
- "American Journal of Health System Pharmacy"; Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia): A Review of Efficacy and Safety; E. Basch et al.; February 2003
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