Bitter melon: an exotic vegetable with medicinal values

Abstract

PurposeThis article focuses on some of the reported medicinal values of bitter melon, an exotic vegetable forming part of the cuisine of various countries.Design/methodology/approachAvailable data in the literature strongly support the anti‐hypoglycaemic properties of Bitter melon. A literature view was carried out and the data were used to validate our findings regarding the effects of extracts of Momordica charantia on uptake of sugar.FindingsOur work adds on to the growing evidence of the anti‐diabetic properties of bitter melon.Practical implicationsIn view of evidence reported in the literature regarding the medicinal properties of vegetables, the importance of vegetables in a well balanced diet should therefore be strongly advocated.Originality/valueThis paper adds on to the evidence of the use of Momordica charantia as a medicinal plant in traditional medicine in the control of blood sugar level.

Effect of exogenous ATP on Momordica charantia Linn. (Cucurbitaceae) induced inhibition of d-glucose, l-tyrosine and fluid transport across rat everted intestinal sacs in vitro

“…To summarize, although contradictory results have been recorded as to the beneficial influence of MC, significant hypoglycemic effect of this vegetable has been observed by a large group of workers (Higashino et al, 1991;Raman and Lau, 1996;Ahmed et al, 1998;Subratty et al, 2005). However, some confusion still prevails about the mechanism of MC.…”

“…(Cucurbitaceae) is a tropical vegetable cultured in Asia, Africa, and South America including Mauritius (Higashino et al, 1991;Ahmed et al, 1998; Abbreviations: MC, Momordica charantia; ATP, adenosine triphosphate; HIV, human immunodeficiency virus; NIDDM, non-insulin dependent diabetics; PPHG, postprandial hyperglycaemia; KHB, Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate; NaHCO 3 , sodium hydrogen carbonate; NaCl, sodium chloride; KCl, potassium chloride; MgSO 4 , magnesium chloride; NaH 2 PO 4 , sodium hydrogen phosphate; CaCl 2 , calcium chloride; Na 2 EDTA, sodium salt ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid * Subratty et al, 2005;Gurib-Fakim et al, 2005). MC has a long history of use as a folklore hypoglycaemic agent where the plant extract has been referred to as vegetable insulin (Ahmad et al, 1999).…”

An investigation into the consumption patterns, attitude, and perception of Mauritians towards common medicinal food plants

“…Such interest stems from an existing culture and many traditional recipes are still prepared from plant materials and sold in several markets on the island (Mootoosamy and Mahomoodally, 2014). Until now, in Mauritius several laboratory based studies have aimed at identifying and demonstrating the potential health effects of various plant foods, commonly used as dietary adjuncts, on various pathologic pathways and organisms (Subratty et al, 2005;Kotwaroo et al, 2006;Mahomoodally et al, 2010Mahomoodally et al, , 2011Mahomoodally et al, , 2012Mahomoodally, 2013). However, empirical findings pertaining to attitudes, beliefs or perceptions of the local population on MFP for their specific health or medicinal properties remain scarce.…”

Study of Antiobesity Activity of Polyherbal Formulation in Correlation With Antidiabetic Activity

“…Momordica charantia Linn., a valuable plant, belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family; it is commonly known as bitter gourd, balsam pear, bitter melon, kugua, or karela [10]. The generic name "Momordica" comes from Latin, meaning "to bite," which refers to its leaf with serrated edges which looks as if it has been bitten [11]. Eugenia jambolana Linn.…”