Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic disorder known to cause persistent hyperglycemia. This leads to diabetes-related complications like neuropathy, dyslipidemia, nephropathy, and retinopathy. Since the incidence and prevalence of diabetes are increasing globally, there is an urgent requirement for adjunct therapies.
Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) has recently gained popularity among clinicians and researchers because of its potential anti-diabetic properties. This is due to its inbuilt bioactive compounds, such as polypeptide-p, charantin, and vicine.
The current review examines the mechanisms and possible benefits of bitter gourd in treating diabetes and its safety profile and efficacy. We found that the bioactive compound present in M. charantia helps regulate the blood glucose level through mechanisms like increased insulin release and sensitivity. Also, it exerts an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on diabetes, which helps mitigate diabetes-related complications.
Despite much evidence, challenges remain in creating a drug profile on standard formulations, optimal doses, and long-term safety, which limits its clinical application.
Further well-designed and large-scale clinical trials are needed to validate its drug profile, efficacy, and safety as an adjunct therapy for diabetes.
