At least three different groups of constituents
in bitter melon have been reported to have hypoglycemic (blood sugar
lowering) or other actions of potential benefit in diabetes mellitus.
These include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantin,
insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids. It is still unclear which of
these is most effective or if all three work together. Two proteins,
known as alpha- and beta-momorcharin, inhibit the AIDS virus, but
this research has only been demonstrated in test tubes and not in
humans. An as yet unidentified constituent in bitter melon inhibits
the enzyme guanylate cyclase, that may benefit people with psoriasis.
History
A relatively common food item, bitter melon
was traditionally used for a dazzling array of conditions by people
in tropical regions. Numerous infections, cancer, leukemia, and diabetes
are among the most common conditions it was believed to improve. The
leaves and fruit have both been used occasionally to make teas and
beer or to season soups in the Western world.
Remedies
For
Bitter melon is reported to help in the treatment of:
Diabetes
HIV support
Psoriasis
The blood lowering action of the fresh juice of the unripe bitter
melon has been confirmed in scientific studies in animals and humans.
Charantin is more powerful than the drug tolbutamide, which is sometimes
used in the treatment of diabetes to lower the blood sugar levels.
The ripe fruit of bitter melon has been shown to exhibit some remarkable
anticancer effects, especially leukemia.
Description
Bitter melon grows in tropical areas, including
parts of East Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and South America, where
it is used as a food as well as a medicine. It is a green cucumber
shaped fruit with gourd-like bumps all over it. It looks like an ugly,
light green cucumber. The fruit should be firm, like a cucumber. It
tastes very bitter. Although the seeds, leaves, and vines of bitter
melon have all been used, the fruit is the safest and most prevalent
part of the plant used medicinally.
Dosage
For those with a taste or tolerance for bitter flavor, a small
melon can be eaten as food or up to 50 ml of fresh juice can be
drunk per day. An option for those who do not care for the bitter
taste are bitter melon tinctures, of which 5 ml is generally taken
two to three times per day.
Safety
Excessively high doses of bitter melon juice can cause abdominal
pain and diarrhea. Small children or anyone with hypoglycemia should
not take bitter melon because this herb could theoretically trigger
or worsen low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Furthermore, diabetics
taking hypoglycemic drugs (such as chlorpropamide, glyburide, or
phenformin) or insulin should use bitter melon only under medical
supervision, as it may potentiate the effectiveness of the drugs
and lead to severe hypoglycemia.
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