General Description
Momordica (also known as bitter melon, balsam pear, bitter cucumber,
or bitter gourd) is a rapidly growing herbaceous vine native to
eastern India and southern China and cultivated widely throughout
the world. The plant grows well in a variety of soils, and begins
flowering about one month after planting. The warty, cucumber-shaped
fruit, which varies in length from 12 to 30 centimeters, is typically
harvested while immature, before the seeds harden.
Health Applications
History and Traditional Use
Momordica has long been consumed as a vegetable, commonly stuffed,
pickled, or sliced into various dishes. The unripe, bitter melon
has been used extensively in folk medicine as a remedy for diabetes.1
Chemical Composition
Momordica contains bitter principles (which are responsible for
the fruit's characteristic flavor), steroids, and a unique, insulin-like
polypeptide known as polypeptide P.1
Momordica and Diabetes
The traditional use of momordica for treatment of diabetes appears
to have some merit. Several animal studies indicate that compounds
in momordica have hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) effects.2-7
In one study conducted on 100 patients with non-insulin dependent
diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), hypoglycemic activity was observed
in 86 cases.8 Although it is not yet clear
just how momordica works to lower blood sugar levels, one study
suggests that the hypoglycemic activity results from increased
glucose use by the liver rather than an insulin secretion effect.7
Dosage/Toxicity
Dosage recommendations for momordica vary with the form of the
herb used. A common recommendation is 2 ounces of fresh juice
or equivalent preparations.1 Momordica extracts,
which are often standardized to provide consistent levels of bitter
principles, usually have dosage recommendations printed on the
label. Momordica is commonly consumed as a food and has no known
toxicity. |
