Momordica charantia (bitter melon) is a proven hypoglycemic agent. One of the active principles responsible for this action is charantin, which is composed of a mixture of beta-sitosterol-beta-D-glucoside and 5,25 stigmadien-3-beta-ol glycoside. It is therefore important that the extract be standardized for both total bitter principles and charantin.

Momordica charantia is a potential herbal alternative for blood sugar management, particularly in non-insulin dependent diabetes. An extract standardized for all the active principles would have proven efficacy in this regard. The standardized extract of Momordica charantia, Momordicin™, supplied by Sabinsa Corporation, contains a minimum of 7% bitter principles and 0.5% charantin.

Refernces:

• Cunnick, J. and Takemato, D. (1993) Journal of Naturopathic Medicine.4(1):16-21
• Sucrow, W. (1965) Tetrahedron Letters, 26:2217-2221
• Lotlikar, M.M. and Rajarama Rao, M.R. (1966) Ind. J. Pharmacy, 28:129-133