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Bitter Melon and Glucose

Apr 17, 2011 | By Joanne Marie

Glucose is an important energy source for all your cells. Your digestive system converts many nutrients into glucose, which travels in the blood to reach all your tissues and organs. High blood levels of glucose, however, may predispose you to diabetes by putting heavy demands on cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Bitter melon is an herbal remedy that may help keep your blood glucose levels in a healthy range. Consult your doctor to determine if consuming bitter melon is a good strategy for you.

Bitter Melon

Bitter melon, or Momordica charantia, is also called bitter gourd, biter apple or balsam pear. It is a perennial plant native to tropical regions of Asia, East Africa and the Americas. The melon is used as food and also as part of traditional herbal medicine in many parts of the world. Practitioners recommend bitter melon to combat infections, to relieve fever and for menstrual disorders. It is also a traditional remedy for high blood sugar associated with diabetes. Several compounds in the fruit and its seeds have medicinal properties that may be beneficial for your health.

Properties

Bitter melon contains several biologically active compounds that may affect glucose metabolism. These include momordin and charantin, both glycosides, and other chemicals called polypeptide-P and vicine. These compounds increase the activity of two enzymes, hexokinase and glucokinase, that transform glucose into glycogen, a molecule stored in your liver, muscles and fatty tissues until your body needs energy. The end result of greater glycogen production is increased removal of glucose from the blood and an overall reduction in blood sugar levels.

The Evidence

Data from a number of studies suggest that bitter melon may be useful in lowering blood sugar. Allen Price, reporting in the publication "Natural Health" (May-June 2003), summarizes findings from several clinical studies in Asia that tested the ability of bitter melon to lower blood sugar in human subjects. In one study, the majority of subjects with type 2 diabetes experienced a 14 percent drop in their blood sugar after consuming bitter melon. In 2011, a four-week clinical trial of subjects with type 2 diabetes found a similar result: subjects who took 2000 mg of bitter melon daily experienced a significant decline in blood sugar compared to a control group.

Recommendations and Precautions

Bitter melon juice and extract are available from many health food stores. The recommended dosage is 50 to 100 ml of juice daily, or 900 mg of the extract taken up to three times daily. Although generally considered safe, bitter melon may cause mild gastric upset or diarrhea in some people. Do not consume bitter melon if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you take prescription drugs to lower blood sugar. Consult your doctor to discuss its use before adding it to your regimen.

References

Article reviewed by Mia Paul Last updated on: Apr 17, 2011

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