A natural anti-oxidant of the body - Alpha Lipoic Acid

Momordica charantia is the botanical name of Bitter melon which belongs to the gourd family. This tropical and sub tropical vine has gained popularity because of its potency to give relief from type 2 diabetes. Different parts of this plant are used for medicinal purposes. For example, leaves, dried or fresh fruit, vine, whole plant and fresh juice can be used in different conditions like, high blood pressure, diabetes, diarrhea, fever, skin fungal infections, gastrointestinal cramps, hemorrhoids, glaucoma and infertility. Historical studies suggest the use of Bitter melon in a wide variety of conditions ranging from an abortifacient (abortion causing drug) to a hemorrhoid treatment. However, its tendency to lower blood sugar has been explored to the greatest extent.

Out of the several alternative treatment options for diabetes, bitter melon extract is the most preferred one. This extract has been used by the Chinese medicine practitioners as a traditional remedy for hyperglycemia since several hundred years. Despite of its name, it has proven to be “sweet” for people suffering from diabetes. This extract is not only effective in curing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but is equally efficient in pre-diabetes condition (Efird. et al) (Tori Hudson).

How does bitter melon reduce blood sugar?

The main constituents of bitter melon that provide its anti-diabetic properties are bioactive compounds like charantin, Polypeptide-p, Vicine, cucurbutanoids, momordicin, and oleanolic acids. Charantin has the potency to completely replace the currently available diabetes treatment in the form of pills and Polypeptide-p or p-insulin, an insulin-like hypoglycemic protein, lowers the blood glucose levels when injected subcutaneously. Vicine present in the seeds of bitter melon has shown a tendency to induce hypoglycemia in rats (Joseph and Jini).

The bioactive compounds of bitter melon stimulate the hypoglycemic effect by triggering the peripheral and skeletal muscle glucose utilization, inhibiting the intestinal glucose uptake and suppressing the key gluconeogenic enzymes.

A study conducted by Kim and Kim suggests that bitter melon suppresses the pathway that leads to the destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Through this mechanism is maintains the health of the pancreas and promotes the secretion of insulin by the pancreas. This makes it beneficial in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes (Joseph and Jini).

Bitter melon improves the serum and liver lipid profiles and serum glucose levels. It purifies blood promotes the filtering functions of liver. As the harmful toxins are removed from liver it reduces the risk of several diseases including diabetes. Studies also suggest that charantin increases the glycogen synthesis in the cells of liver. This prevents the accumulation of glucose in blood and thus helps to cure diabetes.

Bitter melon also exerts its effect on the intestines. It regulates the amount of glucose that is absorbed by the gut into the blood following a meal. In addition it can also stimulate glucose uptake into skeletal muscle cells just like insulin. This mode of action of bitter melon is through its regulation of some intracellular signaling pathways (Joseph and Jini).

Evidences to Prove Its Anti-Diabetic Role

Several animal studies and a few human studies have proved the efficacy of bitter melon in reducing blood sugar levels. These studies suggest that a reduction in blood glucose can be noticed just after 30 minutes of intake of bitter melon, with the greatest reduction occurring at 4 hours and lasting for 12 hours.

During a clinical trial, patients with both type 1 and 2 diabetics were given injections of bitter melon extract, isolated for its crystallized p-insulin. Results showed a significant decrease in blood sugar levels. In another clinical trial, type 2 diabetic patients were given 3 grams of dried bitter melon fruit and seeds per day for a period of two months. The results showed a drastic reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin (Tori Hudson).

Pre-diabetes is a condition that is preventable and treatable if recognized early. Usually pre-diabetic patients show slightly elevated levels of glycated hemoglobin and blood sugar levels. Bitter melon can lower the blood glucose levels in pre-diabetic people and slow down the progression to diabetes (Efird. et al).

In another test 18 type 2 diabetes patients were given 100 mL of bitter melon fruit juice 30 minutes before a glucose load (intake of meal). A glucose tolerance test was (GTT) was conducted and the results were compared with patient’s own previous GTT taken the day before after drinking just water. A statistically significant improvement was noticed in 13 of the 18 patients (Tori Hudson).

Evidences That Suggest the Anti-Diabetic Properties of ALA

Patients with type 2 diabetes were given (ALA) treatment for a period of 2 months. A significant decrease in the Fasting blood glucose levels and postprandial glucose levels was noticed after this period. In another trial conducted in 2006, 57 Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were divided into 2 groups to receive either ALA (300 mg daily) or placebo, and were followed-up for 8 weeks. After an overnight fasting and 2 hours after breakfast, patients' blood samples were drawn and tested for FBG (fasting blood glucose), 2 hours PPG (Postprandial glucose). The result of the study showed a significant decrease in FBG and PPG levels. These studies clearly suggest that, ALA can be safely chosen as an alternative treatment option for patients suffering from diabetes (Ansar, et al.).

Another clinical trial was carried to study the efficiency of ALA in reducing insulin resistance. Seventy-four patients were chosen and divided into four groups (placebo, and 600mg ALA once, twice, or thrice daily). ALA was given for a period 4 weeks and insulin sensitivity was tested using a measurement parameter called Metabolic Clearance of Glucose (MCR). A significant improvement in MCR was noticed at all dosages of ALA. This suggests that ALA can control insulin sensitivity at all the dosages (Ryan Bradley and Bill Walter). In a similar trial only 300mg of oral ALA was given daily for eight weeks and a significant improvement in insulin resistance was noticed.

Manage your blood sugar levels with Bitter Melon

Bitter melon is considered to be a safe and effective oral hypoglycemic (blood sugar reducing) agent with no major contraindications. This fruit has the potency to attack diabetes from various angles. In addition, it also has several other medicinal properties. It improves the overall health of the body. So enjoy the goodness of bitter melon and stay away from diabetes.