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Bitter Gourd

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Bitter Gourd Leaves - Herbal Research
A WHO Organizational resource - Bitter Gourd Research - FULL REPORT

Medicinal uses supported by clinical data
None.
 
Uses described in pharmacopoeias and well established documents
Used as an antidiabetic agent, an emetic, a laxative and a tonic (1,6). Although  a  number  of  case-reports  and  pilot  studies  have  suggested that various preparations of the fruit may improve glucose tolerance, fast-
ing  blood  glucose  levels  and  glycosuria  (24–31),  none  of  the  trials  were  randomized  or  blinded.  Furthermore,  the  dosage,  toxicity  and  adverse events have not been systematically assessed. Adequately powerful, randomized, placebo-controlled trials are needed to properly assess the safety and efficacy of preparations of the fruit before therapeutic recommendations can be made.
 
Uses described in traditional medicine
Used  to  treat  anaemia,  arthritis,  colds,  fever,  gout,  infertility,  kidney stones, peptic ulcers, stomach ache and worms (5,7

References:
1. The Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia of India, Part I. Vol. II,  1st ed. New Delhi, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Department of Indian System of Medicine and Homeopathy, 1999.
 
5. Farnsworth NR, NAPRALERT database. Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL (an online database available directly through the University of Illinois at Chicago or through the Scientific and Technical Network [STN] of Chemical Abstracts Services), 30 June 2005.
 
6. Nadkarni AK. Dr. K.M. Nadkarni’s Indian materia medica. Bombay, Popular Prakashan, 1976.
 
7. Medicinal  plants  in  the  South  Pacific.  Manila,  World  Health  Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific, 1998 (WHO Regional Publications, Western Pacific Series, No. 19).
 
24. Ahmad N et al. Effect of Momordica charantia (Karolla) extracts on fasting and  postprandial  serum  glucose  levels  in  NIDDM  patients.  Bangladesh Medical Research Council Bulletin, 1999, 25:11–13.
 
25. Akhtar MS. Trial of Momordica charantia  Linn (Karela) powder in patients with  maturity-onset  diabetes.  
Journal  of  the  Pakistan  Medical  Association, 1982, 32:106–107.
 
26. Baldwa VS et al. Clinical trial in patients with diabetes mellitus of an insulin like  compound  obtained  from  a  plant  source.  Uppsala  Journal  of  Medical Science,, 1977, 82:39.
 
27. Bielenberg J. Bittermelone-Blutzuckersenkung durch ergänzende Bilanziert diät mit Momordica charantia  [Bitter melon-reduction of blood sugar levels by supplementary balanced diet with Momordica charantia ]. Arztezeitschrift
für Naturheilverfahren , 2004, 45:96–101.
 
28.Grover JK, Gupta SR. Hypogylcemic effect of seeds of Momordica charantia. European Journal of Pharmacology, 1990, 183:1026–1027.
 
29. Leatherdale BA et al. Improvement in glucose tolerance due to Momordica charantia  (karela). British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Edition), 1981, 282:1823–1824.
 
30. Srivastava Y. Antidiabetic and adaptogenic properties of Momordica charantia  extract:  an  experimental  and  clinical  evaluation. Phytotherapy  Research,1993, 7:285–289.
 
31. Upadhyaya  GL,  Ajai  K,  Pant  MC.  Effect  of  karela  as  hypoglycemic  and  hypo-cholesterolemic agent. 
Journal of the Diabetic Association of India, 1985, 25:12–15

 
 

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