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.
