The Glucose-lowering Effects of the Powder of Momordica charantia L. Fruits on Type 2 Diabetic Patients.

Abstract

Rationale and Objective: To determine the glucose-lowering effect of the powder of wild bitter-melon (Momordica charantia, or mara khi-nok) fruit in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methodology: This retrospective study was undertaken on the treatment of type 2 diabetic patients at Saingam hospital, Kamphaeng Phet province, from January 2011 through May 2013, with bitter-melon powder alone, or combined with glibenclamide or metformin, for at least 84 days. Data were retrieved from the hospital’s electronic database. Results: The powder of bitter-melon fruit used as monotherpy could decrease blood glucose level by 21.93 ± 31.94 mg/dL (p < 0.001). The result was comparable to add-on therapy to glibenclamide or metformin, a decrease by 16.40 ± 41.90 mg/dL (p = 0.044) and 24.28 ± 71.80 mg/dL (p = 0.001), respectively. However, the bitter-melon powder as add-on therapy did not affect the HbA1c. In the case of monotherapy, the HbA1c level could not be analyzed due to inadequate data. Discussion and Conclusion: Bitter-melon fruit powder could decrease fasting blood sugar levels significantly when used as monotherapy or add-on therapy to glibenclamide or metformin in type 2 diabetic patients.