Would Karawila (Momordica Charantia) help diabetic patients?

Abstract

Karawila ( Momordica charantia) popularly known as bitter gourd is a fairly common side dish in many Sri Lankan homes. In addition it has been used in the traditional systems of medicine as a controlling agent against Diabetes Mellitus in Southeast Sia and South America. Results of recent investigations allerging hypoglycaemic merits to karawila have renewed research activities. In view of its availability throughout the year and its popular use as a vegetable in Sri Lanka, we have jointly investigated the effects of Karawila on our diabetic patients who gaves consent to the study. The effect of the extract on the oral glucose tolerance was investigated in 18 adults patients (average age 38.2 yrs; SEM2.4yrs), all of them being newly diagnosed. Of these 13 patients indicated a significant improvement in the glucose tolerances. Five patients did not show any appreciable improvement. All these patients were subsequently controlled on oral hypoglycaemics alone. Parallel preliminary investigations in animals while confirming the above observations filed to show acute toxic effects. The clinical relevance of this data will be discussed and areas requiring further research will be highlighted.