Efficacy of Bitter Melon Powder on Type 2 Diabetes

Maria  Khalid; Hafiz Muhammad  Arslan Ghous; Hafiz Muhammad  Rizwan Abid

doi:10.18502/jnfs.v10i2.18539

Maria Khalid Institute of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Hafiz Muhammad Arslan Ghous Department of Food Science and Technology, School of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Management and Technology Lahore, Pakistan.
Hafiz Muhammad Rizwan Abid Department of Food Science and Technology, School of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Management and Technology Lahore, Pakistan.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jnfs.v10i2.18539

Keywords: Bitter melon; Diabetes mellitus; Alternative medicine; Insulin resistance

Abstract

Background: Momordica charantia (bitter melon) is commonly used in traditional medicine for the management of diabetes, due to its insulin-like properties. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of bitter melon powder in managing Type 2 diabetes by evaluating its impact on Random Blood Glucose (RBG), Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), and Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Methods: The study was carried out over five months at the Diabetic Clinic of Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi, involving 60 patients (30 males and 30 females) aged 35 to 60 years, selected through convenience sampling based on inclusion criteria. Patients were given 1/2 teaspoon of bitter melon powder daily before breakfast. The patients followed a sugar-free, low-fat diet, and blood glucose levels were measured through biochemical tests before and after the intervention. Data analysis and statistical validation were conducted using ANOVA. Results: The treatment group showed a significant reduction in RBG (244.43 to 201.20 mg/dl, P=0.001) compared to an increase in the control group (246.63 to 275.10 mg/dl, P=0.005). FBG decreased in the treatment group (11.21 to 10.43 mg/dl, P=0.02), while the control group slightly increased (11.21 to 11.26 mg/dl, P=0.10). HbA1c levels also dropped in the treatment group (8.09 to 7.62%, P=0.01) versus a rise in the control group (8.02 to 8.14%, P=0.09). Conclusions: The findings indicate that bitter melon supplementation can significantly lower blood glucose levels and provide a safe alternative to conventional diabetes treatments