IMPACT AND ACTION MECHANISM OF MOMORDICA CHARANTIA IN THE DIABETES THERAPY

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common endocrine disorder and represents a major health problem. DM is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia due to relative or absolute lack of insulin or the actions of insulin. Insulin is the main treatment for patients with type 1 DM and it is also important in type 2 DM when blood glucose levels cannot be controlled by diet, weight loss, exercise and oral medication alone. Thus, prior to treatment through insulin, herbal plants may be used. The Momordica charantia (family cucurbitaceae) is one of the plant used for treatment of DM. Treatment with M. Charantia fruit Juice reduces blood glucose with improved body weight and glucose tolerance, but it stimulates glucose uptake by skeletal muscle cells. It also preserves Islet Beta cells normalizes the systolic blood pressure and modulates xenobiotic metabolism and oxidative stress. M. Charantia also has anti carcinogenic properties.