Research: LEUNG and COLLEAGUES,

Listed in Issue 183

Abstract

LEUNG and COLLEAGUES, Department of Family Medicine, Centre for Studies in Primary Care, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada. leungl@queensu.ca [Review] [57 refs] the evidence for the effects of Momordica charantia (bitter melon) in the treatment of diabetes in people in Asia, South America, India and East Africa

Background

It has been estimated that up to one-third of patients with diabetes mellitus use some form of complementary and alternative medicine. Momordica charantia (bitter melon) is a popular fruit used for the treatment of diabetes and related conditions amongst the indigenous populations of Asia, South America, India and East Africa.

Methodology

Abundant pre-clinical studies have documented the anti-diabetic and hypoglycaemic effects of M. charantia through various postulated mechanisms. However, clinical trial data with human subjects are limited and flawed by poor study design and low statistical power.

Results

The present article reviews the clinical data regarding the anti-diabetic potentials of M. charantia and calls for better-designed clinical trials to further elucidate its possible therapeutic effects. [References: 57]

Conclusion

References

Leung L,  Birtwhistle R,  Kotecha J,  Hannah S and Cuthbertson S. Anti-diabetic and hypoglycaemic effects of Momordica charantia (bitter melon): a mini review. [Review] [57 refs] British Journal of Nutrition. 102(12): 1703-8. Dec 2009.

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