BITTER MELON - HERBAL PROPERTIES AND ACTIONS

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BITTER MELON - HERBAL PROPERTIES AND ACTIONS

JoAnn Guest

Jan 11, 2007 10:15 PST

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http://www.rain-tree.com/bitmelon.htm

 

treats diabetes

reduces blood sugar

 

balances hormones

reduces blood pressure

 

enhances immunity

lowers body temperature

 

mildly laxative

lowers cholesterol

 

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http://www.rain-tree.com/bitmelon.htm

 

Bitter melon grows in tropical areas, including parts of the Amazon,

east Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, and is cultivated throughout

South America as a food and medicine.

 

TRIBAL AND HERBAL MEDICINE USES

 

In the Amazon, local people and indigenous tribes grow bitter melon

in their gardens for food and medicine. They add the fruit and/or

leaves to beans and soup for a bitter or sour flavor; parboiling it first with a

dash of salt may remove some of the bitter taste.

 

Medicinally, the plant has a long history of use by the indigenous peoples of

the Amazon.

 

A leaf tea is used for diabetes, to expel intestinal gas, to promote

menstruation, and as an antiviral for measles, hepatitis, and feverish

conditions. It is used topically for sores, wounds, and infections and

internally and externally for worms and parasites.

 

In Brazilian herbal medicine, bitter melon is used for tumors,

wounds, rheumatism, malaria, vaginal discharge, inflammation, menstrual

problems, diabetes, colic, fevers, worms. It is also used to induce abortions

and as an aphrodisiac.

 

It is prepared into a topical remedy for the skin to treat vaginitis,

hemorrhoids, scabies, itchy rashes, eczema, leprosy and other skin problems.

 

In Mexico, the entire plant is used for diabetes and dysentery; the root is a

reputed aphrodisiac.

In Peruvian herbal medicine, the leaf or aerial parts of the plant are used to

treat measles, malaria, and all types of inflammation. In Nicaragua, the leaf is

commonly used for stomach pain, diabetes, fevers, colds, coughs, headaches,

malaria, skin complaints, menstrual disorders, aches and pains, hypertension,

infections, and as an aid in childbirth.

 

PLANT CHEMICALS

 

Bitter melon contains an array of biologically active plant

chemicals including triterpenes, proteins, and steroids. One chemical has

clinically demonstrated the ability to inhibit the enzyme guanylate cyclase that

is thought to be linked to the cause of psoriasis and also necessary for the

growth of leukemia and cancer cells.

 

In addition, a protein found in bitter melon, momordin, has clinically

demonstrated anticancerous activity against Hodgkin's lymphoma in animals. Other

proteins in the plant, alpha- and beta-momorcharin and cucurbitacin B, have been

tested for possible anticancerous effects. A chemical analog of these bitter

melon proteins has been developed, patented, and

named " MAP-30 " ; its developers reported that it was able to inhibit

prostate tumor growth.

 

Two of these proteins-alpha- and beta-momorcharin-have

also been reported to inhibit HIV virus in test tube studies. In one

study, HIV-infected cells treated with alpha- and beta-momorcharin

showed a nearly complete loss of viral antigen while healthy cells

were largely unaffected.

The inventor of MAP-30 filed another patent which

stated it was " useful for treating tumors and HIV infections . . . "

 

Another clinical study showed that MAP-30's antiviral activity was

also relative to the herpes virus in vitro.

 

In numerous studies, at least three different groups of constituents

found in all parts of bitter melon have clinically demonstrated

hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) properties or other actions of

potential benefit against diabetes mellitus.

 

These chemicals that lower blood sugar include a mixture of steroidal saponins

known as charantins, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids.

 

The hypoglycemic effect is more pronounced in the fruit of bitter melon where

these chemicals are found in greater abundance.

 

Alkaloids, charantin, charine, cryptoxanthin, cucurbitins,

cucurbitacins, cucurbitanes, cycloartenols, diosgenin, elaeostearic

acids, erythrodiol, galacturonic acids, gentisic acid,

goyaglycosides,

goyasaponins, guanylate cyclase inhibitors, gypsogenin,

hydroxytryptamines, karounidiols, lanosterol, lauric acid, linoleic

acid, linolenic acid, momorcharasides, momorcharins, momordenol,

momordicilin, momordicins, momordicinin, momordicosides, momordin,

multiflorenol, myristic acid, nerolidol, oleanolic acid, oleic acid,

oxalic acid, pentadecans, peptides, petroselinic acid, polypeptides,

proteins, ribosome-inactivating proteins, rosmarinic acid,

rubixanthin,

spinasterol, steroidal glycosides, stigmasta-diols, stigmasterol,

taraxerol, trehalose, trypsin inhibitors, uracil, vacine, v-insulin,

verbascoside, vicine, zeatin, zeatin riboside, zeaxanthin, and

zeinoxanthin are all found in bitter melon.

 

BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES AND CLINICAL RESEARCH

 

To date, close to 100 in vivo studies have demonstrated the blood

sugar-lowering effect of this bitter fruit. The fruit has also shown

the

ability to enhance cells' uptake of glucose, to promote insulin

release,

and to potentiate the effect of insulin. In other in vivo studies,

bitter melon fruit and/or seed has been shown to reduce total

cholesterol. In one study, elevated cholesterol and triglyceride

levels

in diabetic rats were returned to normal after 10 weeks of treatment.

 

Several in vivo studies have demonstrated the antitumorous activity

of

the entire plant of bitter melon. In one study, a water extract

blocked

the growth of rat prostate carcinoma; another study reported that a

hot

water extract of the entire plant inhibited the development of

mammary

tumors in mice. Numerous in vitro studies have also demonstrated the

anticancerous and antileukemic activity of bitter melon against

numerous

cell lines, including liver cancer, human leukemia, melanoma, and

solid

sarcomas.

 

Bitter melon, like several of its isolated plant chemicals, also has

been documented with in vitro antiviral activity against numerous

viruses, including Epstein-Barr, herpes, and HIV viruses. In an in

vivo

study, a leaf extract increased resistance to viral infections and

had

an immunostimulant effect in humans and animals, increasing

interferon

production and natural killer cell activity.

 

In addition to these properties, leaf extracts of bitter melon have

demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Various extracts

of

the leaves have demonstrated in vitro antibacterial activities

against

E. coli, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Streptobacillus,

and

Streptococcus; an extract of the entire plant was shown to have

antiprotozoal activity against Entamoeba histolytica. The fruit and

fruit juice have demonstrated the same type of antibacterial

properties

and, in another study, a fruit extract demonstrated activity against

the

stomach ulcer-causing bacteria Helicobacter pylori.

 

Many in vivo clinical studies have demonstrated the relatively low

toxicity of all parts of the bitter melon plant when ingested

orally.

However, toxicity and even death in laboratory animals has been

reported

when extracts are injected intravenously. Other studies have shown

extracts of the fruit and leaf (ingested orally) to be safe during

pregnancy. The seeds, however, have demonstrated the ability to

induce

abortions in rats and mice, and the root has been documented as a

uterine stimulant in animals. The fruit and leaf of bitter melon

have

demonstrated an in vivo antifertility effect in female animals; and

in

male animals, to affect the production of sperm negatively.

 

CURRENT PRACTICAL USES

 

Over the years scientists have verified many of the traditional uses

of

this bitter plant that continues to be an important natural remedy

in

herbal medicine systems. Bitter melon capsules and tinctures are

becoming more widely available in the United States and are employed

by

natural health practitioners for diabetes, viruses, colds and flu,

cancer and tumors, high cholesterol, and psoriasis. Concentrated

fruit

and seed extracts can be found in capsules and tablets, as well as

whole

herb/vine powders and extracts in capsules and tinctures.

 

 

 

BITTER MELON (leaf/stem) PLANT SUMMARY

Main Preparation Method: leaf decoction or capsules

Main Actions (in order):

anticancerous, antiviral, antibacterial, digestive stimulant,

hypoglycemic

 

Main Uses:

 

for cancer

for viral infections (HIV, herpes, Epstein Barr, hepatitis,

influenza,

and measles)

for bacterial infections (Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and

Salmonella)

 

as a bitter digestive aid (for dyspepsia and sluggish digestion)

for diabetes

Properties/Actions Documented by Research:

antibacterial, anticancerous, anti-fertility, antileukemic,

antiprotozoal, antitumorous, antiviral, hypoglycemic, immune

stimulant

Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:

antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antiparasitic,

antiseptic,

bitter, carminative (expels gas), digestive stimulant, febrifuge

(reduces fever), hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), lactagogue

(promotes milk flow), menstrual stimulator, purgative, vermifuge

(expels

worms), wound healer

 

Cautions: It may lower blood sugar levels.

 

 

 

 

 

BITTER MELON (fruit/fruit seed) PLANT SUMMARY

Main Preparation Method: fruit juice

Main Actions (in order):

hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic (lowers cholesterol),

antibacterial,

carminative (expels gas), bitter

 

Main Uses:

 

for diabetes

for high cholesterol and triglyceride levels

for H. pylori ulcers

as a bitter digestive aid for intestinal gas, bloating, stomachache,

and

sluggish digestion

for intestinal parasites

Properties/Actions Documented by Research:

abortive, contraceptive, antimicrobial, hypocholesterolemic (lowers

cholesterol), hypoglycemic

Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:

antifungal, antiparasitic, antivenin, bitter, cardiotonic (tones,

balances, strengthens the heart), digestive stimulant, emetic

(causes

vomiting), menstrual stimulator, purgative (strong laxative),

vermifuge

(expels worms)

 

Cautions: It lowers blood sugar levels and has abortive and

contraceptive effects.

 

 

 

 

 

Traditional Preparation: 1 cup of a standard leaf or whole herb

decoction is taken one or two times daily, or 1-3 ml of a 4:1

tincture

is taken twice daily. Powdered leaf in tablets or capsules - 1 to 2

g

can be substituted, if desired. The traditional South American

remedy

for diabetes is to juice 1-2 fresh bitter melon fruits and drink

twice

daily. For seed or fruit extracts in capsules or tinctures, follow

the

label instructions.

 

 

Contraindications:

Bitter melon traditionally has been used as an abortive and has been

documented with weak uterine stimulant activity; therefore, it is

contraindicated during pregnancy.

This plant has been documented to reduce fertility in both males and

females and should therefore not be used by those undergoing

fertility

treatment or seeking pregnancy.

The active chemicals in bitter melon can be transferred through

breast

milk; therefore, it is contraindicated in women who are breast

feeding.

All parts of bitter melon (especially the fruit and seed) have

demonstrated in numerous in vivo studies that they lower blood sugar

levels. As such, it is contraindicated in persons with hypoglycemia.

Diabetics should check with their physicians before using this plant

and

use with caution while monitoring their blood sugar levels regularly

as

the dosage of insulin medications may need adjusting.

Although all parts of the plant have demonstrated active

antibacterial

activity, none have shown activity against fungi or yeast. Long-term

use

of this plant may result in the die-off of friendly bacteria with

resulting opportunistic overgrowth of yeast (Candida). Cycling off

the

use of the plant (every 21-30 days for one week) may be warranted,

and

adding probiotics to the diet may be beneficial if this plant is

used

for longer than 30 days.

 

Drug Interactions: Bitter melon may potentiate insulin and anti-

diabetic

drugs and cholesterol-lowering drugs.

 

 

 

WORLDWIDE ETHNOMEDICAL USES

Brazil for abortions, burns, colic, constipation, dermatosis,

diabetes,

diarrhea, eczema, fever, flu, hemorrhoids, hepatitis, hives, itch,

impotency, leprosy, leukemia, libido, liver inflammation, malaria,

menstrual problems, pain, rheumatism, scabies, skin, tumor, vaginal

discharge, vaginitis, worms, wounds

China for breast cancer, diabetes, fever, halitosis, impotency,

renal

insufficiency, kidney problems

Cuba for anemia, colitis, diabetes, fever, hyperglycemia, intestinal

parasites, kidney stones, liver problems, menstrual problems,

sterility

(female), worms

Haiti for anemia, constipation, dermatosis, eye infections, fever,

liver

diseases, skin problems, rhinitis, and as an appetite stimulant and

insecticide

India for abortions, birth control, constipation, diabetes, eczema,

fat

loss, food, fever, gout, hemorrhoids, hydrophobia, hyperglycemia,

increasing milk flow, intestinal parasites, jaundice, kidney stones,

leprosy, liver, menstrual disorders, pneumonia, psoriasis,

rheumatism,

scabies, skin, snakebite, vaginal discharge

Mexico for bowel function, burns, diabetes, dysentery, impotency,

libido, scabies, sores, worms

Malaya for abdominal pain, asthma, burns, Celiac's disease,

dermatosis,

diarrhea, headache, intestinal parasites, stomachache, worms

Nicaragua for aches, anemia, childbirth, colds, constipation, cough,

diabetes, fever, headache, hypertension, infections, lung disorders,

malaria, pain, pregnancy, rashes, skin problems

Panama for colds, diabetes, fever, flu, gallbladder problems, hives,

hypertension, itch, malaria, menstrual problems, and as an

insecticide

Peru for colic, constipation, contusions, diabetes, diarrhea, fever,

hepatitis, inflammation, intestinal parasites, lung problems,

malaria,

measles, menstrual problems, skin sores, pus, wounds

Trinidad for diabetes, dysentery, fever, hypertension, malaria,

rheumatism, worms

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The above text has been printed from The Healing Power of Rainforest

Herbs by Leslie Taylor, copyrighted © 2005

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Food

and Drug Administration. The information contained in this plant

database file is intended for education, entertainment and

information

purposes only. This information is not intended to be used to

diagnose,

prescribe or replace proper medical care. The plant described herein

is

not intended to treat, cure, diagnose, mitigate or prevent any

disease.

Please refer to our Conditions of Use for using this plant database

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and web site.

 

 

 

 

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Quoted References on Bitter Melon

10. Momordica charantia L. Cucurbitaceae. " Papailla " , " Balsam pear " .

Fruit edible cooked. Plant decoction used for colic, and worms;

infusion

of fruit and flowers used for hepatitis. Seed pulp mixed with lard

as a

suppurative (SOU). Considered vermicide, stomachic, emmenagogue, and

very effective in the expulsion of Trichocephalos. Fruit decoction

used

as febrifuge and emetic (PEA). Leaf decoction used by the " Cuna " for

measles (RVM), by Brazilians for fever, itch, and sores (BDS). Seeds

and

pericarp contain saponin glycosides which produce elaterin and

alkaloids, which causes vomiting and diarrhea (LAE). Leaf infusion a

common folk remedy for diabetes around Iquitos (AYA). TRAMIL cites

it as

relatively POISONOUS (TRA). On the patent for Compound Q for AIDS,

as a

source of momocharin. Also contains rosmarinic acid, with antiviral

activity and calceolarioside and verbascoside. "

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Third-Party Research on Bitter Melon

 

Available third-party documentation and research on bitter melon can

be

found at PubMed. A partial listing of the published research on

bitter

melon is shown below:

 

Antimicrobial Actions (virus, bacteria, fungi):

Schmourlo, G., et al. " Screening of antifungal agents using ethanol

precipitation and bioautography of medicinal and food plants. " J.

Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jan; 96(3): 563

Jiratchariyakul, W., et al. " HIV inhibitor from Thai bitter gourd. "

Planta Med. 2001 Jun; 67(4): 350-3.

Zheng, Y. T., et al. " Alpha-momorcharin inhibits HIV-1 replication

in

acutely but not chronically infected T-lymphocytes. " Zhongguo Yao Li

Xue

Bao. 1999; 20(3): 239-43.

Frame, A. D., et al. " Plants from Puerto Rico with anti-

Mycobacterium

tuberculosis properties. " P. R. Health Sci. J. 1998; 17(3): 243–52.

Khan, M. R., et al. " Momordica charantia and Allium sativum: Broad

spectrum antibacterial activity. " Korean J. Pharmacog. 1998; 29(3):

155–58.

Bourinbaiar, A. S., et al. " The activity of plant-derived

antiretroviral

proteins MAP30 and GAP31 against Herpes simplex virus in vitro. "

Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 1996; 219(3): 923–29.

Omoregbe, R. E., et al. " Antimicrobial activity of some medicinal

plants' extracts on Escherichia coli, Salmonella paratyphi and

Shigella

dysenteriae. " Afr. J. Med. Med. Sci. 1996; 25(4): 373–75.

Lee-Huang, S., et al. " Inhibition of the integrase of human

immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 by anti-HIV plant proteins MAP30

and

GAP31. " Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 1995; 92(19): 8818–22.

Dong, T. X., et al. " Ribosome inactivating protein-like activity in

seeds of diverse Cucurbitaceae plants. " Indian J. Exp. Biol. 1993;

25(3): 415–19.

Zhang, Q. C. " Preliminary report on the use of Momordica charantia

extract by HIV patients. " J. Naturopath. Med. 1992; 3: 65–9.

Hussain, H. S. N., et al. " Plants in Kano ethomedicine: Screening

for

antimicrobial activity and alkaloids. " Int. J. Pharmacog. 1991; 29

(1):

51–6.

Huang, T. M., et al. " Studies on antiviral activity of the extract

of

Momordica charantia and its active principle. " Virologica. 1990; 5

(4):

367–73.

Lee-Huang, S. " MAP 30: A new inhibitor of HIV-1 infection and

replication. " FEBS Lett. 1990; 272(1–2): 12–18.

Takemoto, D. J. " Purification and characterization of a cytostatic

factor with anti-viral activity from the bitter melon. " Prep.

Biochem.

1983; 13(4): 371–93.

Takemoto, D. J., et al. " Purification and characterization of a

cytostatic factor from the bitter melon Momordica charantia. " Prep.

Biochem. 1982; 12(4): 355-75.

 

Anticancerous & Cytotoxic Actions:

Yasui, Y., et al. " Bitter gourd seed fatty acid rich in

9c,11t,13t-conjugated linolenic acid induces apoptosis and up-

regulates

the GADD45, p53 and PPARgamma in human colon cancer Caco-2 cells. "

Prostaglandins Leukot. Essent. Fatty Acids. 2005 Aug; 73(2): 113-9.

Ike, K., et al. " Induction of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and T

helper

1 (Th1) immune response by bitter gourd extract. " J. Vet. Med. Sci.

2005; 67(5): 521-4.

Nagasawa, H., et al. " Effects of bitter melon (Momordica charantia)

or

ginger rhizome (Zingiber offifinale Rosc.) on spontaneous mammary

tumorigenesis in SHN mice. " Am. J. Clin. Med. 2002; 30(2–3): 195–

205.

Kim, J. H., et al. " Induction of apoptosis by momordin I in

promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells. " Anticancer Res. 2002 May-Jun;

22(3): 1885-9.

Tazzari, P. L., et al. " An Epstein-Barr virus-infected

lymphoblastoid

cell line (D430B) that grows in SCID-mice with the morphologic

features

of a CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and is sensitive to anti-

CD30

immunotoxins. " Haematologica. 1999; 84(11): 988-95.

Lee, D. K., et al. " Momordins inhibit both AP-1 function and cell

proliferation. " Anticancer Res. 1998 Jan-Feb; 18(1A): 119-24.

Terenzi, A., et al. " Anti-CD30 (BER=H2) immunotoxins containing the

type-1 ribosome-inactivating proteins momordin and PAP-S (pokeweed

antiviral protein from seeds) display powerful antitumor activity

against CD30+ tumor cells in vitro and in SCID mice. " Br. J.

Haematol.

1996; 92(4): 872–79.

Bolognesi, A., et al. " Induction of apoptosis by ribosome-

inactivating

proteins and related immunotoxins. " Int. J. Cancer. 1996 Nov; 68(3):

349-55.

Battelli, M. G., et al. " Toxicity of ribosome-inactivating

proteins-containing immunotoxins to a human bladder carcinoma cell

line. " Int. J. Cancer. 1996 Feb; 65(4): 485-90.

Lee-Huang, S., et al. " Anti-HIV and anti-tumor activities of

recombinant

MAP30 from bitter melon. " Gene. 1995; 161(2):151–56.

Cunnick, J. E., et al. " Induction of tumor cytotoxic immune cells

using

a protein from the bitter melon (Momordica charantia). " Cell

Immunol.

1990 Apr; 126(2): 278-89.

Zhu, Z. J., et al. " Studies on the active constituents of Momordica

charantia l. " Yao. Hsueh. Hsueh. Pao. 1990; 25(12): 898–903.

Stirpe, F., et al. " Selective cytotoxic activity of immunotoxins

composed of a monoclonal anti-Thy 1.1 antibody and the

ribosome-inactivating proteins bryodin and momordin. " Br. J. Cancer.

1988 Nov; 58(5): 558-61.

Takemoto, D. J., et al. " Purification and characterization of a

cytostatic factor with anti-viral activity from the bitter melon.

Part

2. " Prep Biochem. 1983; 13(5): 397-421.

Takemoto, D. J., et al. " The cytotoxic and cytostatic effects of the

bitter melon (Momordica charantia) on human lymphocytes. " Toxicon.

1982;

20: 593–99.

Takemoto, D. J., et al. " Guanylate cyclase activity in human

leukemic

and normal lymphocytes. Enzyme inhibition and cytotoxicity of plant

extracts. " Enzyme. 1982; 27(3): 179–88.

Takemoto, D. J., et al. " Partial purification and characterization

of a

guanylate cyclase inhibitor with cytotoxic properties from the

bitter

melon (Momordica charantia). " Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 1980;

94(1): 332–39.

Claflin, A. J., et al. " Inhibition of growth and guanylate cyclase

activity of an undifferentiated prostate adenocarcinoma by an

extract of

the balsam pear (Momordica charantia abbreviata). " Proc. Natl. Acad.

Sci. 1978; 75(2): 989–93.

Vesely, D. L., et al. " Isolation of a guanylate cyclase inhibitor

from

the balsam pear (Momordica charantia abbreviata). " Biochem. Biophys.

Res. Commun. 1977; 77(4): 1294–99.

 

Antidiabetic & Hypoglycemic Actions:

Zheng, Z.X., et al. " The hypoglycemic effects of crude

polysaccharides

extract from Momordica charantia in mice. " Wei Sheng Yan Jiu. 2005

May;

34(3): 361-3.

Reyes, B. A., et al. " Anti-diabetic potentials of Momordica

charantia

and Andrographis paniculata and their effects on estrous cyclicity

of

alloxan-induced diabetic rats. " J. Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Nov 16;

Sathishsekar, D., et al. " Beneficial effects of Momordica charantia

seeds in the treatment of STZ-induced diabetes in experimental

rats. "

Biol. Pharm. Bull. 2005; 28(6): 978-83.

Shetty, A. K., et al. " Effect of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia)

on

glycaemic status in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. " Plant

Foods

Hum. Nutr. 2005 Sep; 60(3): 109-12.

Kumar Shetty, A., et al. " Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia)

modulates

activities of intestinal and renal disaccharidases in

streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. " Mol. Nutr. Food Res. 2005; 49

(8):

791-6.

Chaturvedi, P., et al. " Effect of Momordica charantia on lipid

profile

and oral glucose tolerance in diabetic rats. " Phytother. Res. 2004;

18(11): 954-6.

Vikrant, V., et al. " Treatment with extracts of Momordica charantia

and

Eugenia jambolana prevents hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in

fructose fed rats. " J. Ethnopharmacol. 2001; 76(2): 139–43.

Miura, T., et al. " Hypoglycemic activity of the fruit of the

Momordica

charantia in type 2 diabetic mice. " J. Nutr. Sci. Vitaminol. 2001;

47(5): 340–44.

Raza, H., et al. " Modulation of xenobiotic metabolism and oxidative

stress in chronic streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats fed with

Momordica charantia fruit extract. " J. Biochem. Mol. Toxicol. 2000;

14(3): 131–39.

Ahmad, N., et al. " Effect of Momordica charantia (Karolla) extracts

on

fasting and postprandial serum glucose levels in NIDDM patients. "

Bangladesh Med. Res. Counc. Bull. 1999; 25(1): 11–13.

Ahmed, I., et al. " Effects of Momordica charantia fruit juice on

islet

morphology in the pancreas of the streptozotocin-diabetic rat. "

Diabetes

Res. Clin. Pract. 1998; 40(3): 145–51.

Sarkar, S., et al. " Demonstration of the hypoglycemic action of

Momordica charantia in a validated animal model of diabetes. "

Pharmacol.

Res. 1996; 33(1): 1–4.

Ali, L., et al. " Studies on hypoglycemic effects of fruit pulp, seed

and

whole plant of Momordica charantia on normal and diabetic model

rats. "

Planta Med. 1993; 59(5): 408–12.

Akhtar, M. S. " Trial of Momordica charantia Linn (Karela) powder in

patients with maturity-onset diabetes. " J. Pak. Med. Assoc. 1982; 32

(4):

106–7.

 

Anti-cholesterol & Antioxidant Actions:

Chan, L. L., et al. " Reduced adiposity in bitter melon (Momordica

charantia)-fed rats is associated with increased lipid oxidative

enzyme

activities and uncoupling protein expression. " J. Nutr. 2005; 135

(11):

2517-23.

Chen, Q., et al. " Reduced adiposity in bitter melon (Momordica

charantia) fed rats is associated with lower tissue triglyceride and

higher plasma catecholamines. " Br. J. Nutr. 2005; 93(5): 747-54.

Hsieh, C. L., et al. " Inhibitory effect of some selected nutraceutic

herbs on LDL glycation induced by glucose and glyoxal. " J.

Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Dec; 102(3): 357-63.

Chaturvedi, P. " Role of Momordica charantia in maintaining the

normal

levels of lipids and glucose in diabetic rats fed a high-fat and

low-carbohydrate diet. " Br. J. Biomed. Sci. 2005; 62(3): 124-6.

Sathishsekar, D., et al. " Antioxidant properties of Momordica

charantia

(bitter gourd) seeds on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. " Asia

Pac.

J. Clin. Nutr. 2005; 14(2): 153-8.

Ansari, N. M., et al. " Antioxidant activity of five vegetables

traditionally consumed by South-Asian migrants in Bradford,

Yorkshire,

UK. " Phytother. Res. 2005; 19(10): 907-11.

Senanayake, G.V. et al. " The effects of bitter melon (Momordica

charantia) extracts on serum and liver lipid parameters in hamsters

fed

cholesterol-free and cholesterol-enriched diets. " J. Nutr. Sci.

Vitaminol. 2004 Aug; 50(4): 253-7.

Ahmed, I., et al. " Hypotriglyceridemic and hypocholesterolemic

effects

of anti-diabetic Momordica charantia (Karela) fruit extract in

streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. " Diabetes Res. Clin. Pract.

2001;

51(3):155–61.

Jayasooriya, A. P., et al. " Effects of Momordica charantia powder on

serum glucose levels and various lipid parameters in rats fed with

cholesterol-free and cholesterol-enriched diets. " J. Ethnopharmacol.

2000; 72 (1–2): 331.

 

Anti-ulcer Actions:

Dengiz, G. O., et al. " Effects of Momordica charantia L.

(Cucurbitaceae)

on indomethacin-induced ulcer model in rats. " Turk. J.

Gastroenterol.

2005 Jun; 16(2): 85-88.

Yesilada, E., et al. " Screening of Turkish anti-ulcerogenic folk

remedies for anti-Helicobacter pylori activity. " J. Ethnopharmacol.

1999; 66(3): 289–93.

 

Anti-fertility Actions:

Girini, M. M., et al. " Effect of graded doses of Momordica charantia

seed extract on rat sperm: scanning electron microscope study. " J.

Basic

Clin. Physiol. Pharmacol. 2005; 16(1): 53-66.

Bhakuni, D. S., et al. " Screening of Indian plants for biological

activity: Part XIII. " Indian J. Exp. Biol. 1988; 26(11): 883RY–904

Koentjoro-Soehadi, T., et al. " Perspectives of male contraception

with

regards to Indonesian traditional drugs. " Proc. Second National

Congress

of Indonesian Society of Andrology. 1982; Aug. 2–6: 12.

Dixit, V. P., et al. " Effects of Momordica charantia fruit extract

on

the testicular function of dog. " Planta Med. 1978; 34: 280–86.

Prakash, A. O., et al. " Screening of Indian plants for antifertility

activity. " Indian J. Exp. Biol. 1976; 14: 623–626.

Stepka, W., et al. " Antifertility investigation on Momordica. "

Lloydia.

1974; 37(4): 645c

Jamwal, K. S., et al. " Preliminary screening of some reputed

abortifacient indigenous plants. " Indian J. Pharmacy 1962; 24: 218–

20.

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets