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Data suggest that Bitter Melon has a significant hypoglycemic effect occurs
in both healthy and diabetic patients. Glucose control contains well known botanical
ingredient Mormodica Charantia otherwise known as Bitter Melon. Mormodica Charantia
(Bitter Melon) contains Glycosides, Momordim, Charantin, Polypeptides. Bitter
Melon increases glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis in the liver, muscle and
nerve tissue and improves glucose tolerance. Bitter Melon, grouped with Fenugreek
(another hypoglycemic herb), in conjunction with Curcuma Zodoria helps liver
cells respond quickly, and improves liver function.
• Helps build strong immune system
• Helps build glucose tolerance
• Helps maintain proper blood sugar levels
• Helps regulate lipid metabolism and maintain healthy cholesterol levels
• Helps maintain healthy serum triglyceride levels
• Helps maintain good health
BITTER MELON
A prospective evaluation of 18 newly diagnosed adult diabetics comparing blood
glucose level with and without bitter melon administration 30 minutes prior
to an oral glucose tolerance test (GTT). Patients had not started any hypoglycemic
therapy (e.g. insulin or sulfonylureas). A statistically significant reduction
in blood sugar after administration of bitter melon, approximately 20-30%, was
demonstrated. Larger randomized trials are necessary to establish long-term
effects.
FENUGREEK
A prospective, one-arm study of dietary fenugreek in 60 patients with non-insulin
dependent diabetes of differing severity levels. 40 patients were taking oral
hypoglycemic drugs. Each subject underwent 7 days of control diet followed by
24 weeks of consuming 25 g/day fenugreek seed powder prepared in a soup. Diets
in each period were similar in calorie and nutrient composition, except for
higher fiber content in the fenugreek diet. Mean serum cholesterol decreased
from baseline (approx. 241 mg/dl) to 24 weeks (approx. 199 mg/dl), as did LDL
cholesterol (approx. 143 to 114 mg/dl), LDL+VLDL cholesterol (approx. 179 to
148 mg/dl), and triglycerides (approx. 187 to 159 mg/dl). Diarrhea and flatulence
were reported in a few patients.
A randomized, controlled, crossover evaluation of dietary fenugreek in 10 non-insulin
dependent diabetics taking glibenclamide, 2.5-7.5 mg/day, with stabilized diet
and drug dose. The study consisted of two 15-day periods: 5 patients received
bread containing 25 g fenugreek powder daily for the first 15 days, while the
other 5 received it in the second 15-day period. Control bread contained the
same nutrient content without fenugreek. Food intake and body weight were similar
between treatment arms. An intravenous glucose tolerance test at the end of
each period showed significantly lower mean plasma glucose levels at 40, 50,
and 60 min and an 11% reduction in the area under the curve (AUC) in the fenugreek
group. Erythrocyte insulin receptors were significantly higher in number in
the fenugreek group. A washout period should have been instituted between test
periods.
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