A Review on Antidiabetic Properties of Momordica charantia

Momordica charantia (bitter gourd), a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, shows significant hypoglycemic properties that have been utilized traditionally across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The fruit contains bioactive compounds including charantin, polypeptide-p, and vicine, which demonstrate potential in diabetes management. Recent literature has shown the mechanisms through which these compounds influence glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and cellular signaling pathways. Experimental studies utilizing various extraction methods have quantified the distribution of active compounds across different parts of the fruit, with charantin concentrations highest in the flesh (0.16 ± 0.02 mg/g) and vicine predominantly present in whole fruit extracts (0.210 ± 0.010 g/100g). In vivo studies using Sprague Dawley rats demonstrated that bitter gourd supplementation significantly improved insulin sensitivity by enhancing insulin-stimulated IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation in high-fat-fed conditions. The therapeutic potential of the fruit extends beyond simple glucose regulation, encompassing multiple pathways involved in diabetes pathogenesis. The synergistic action of its bioactive compounds indicates a complex mechanism of action that may offer advantages over isolated phytochemical interventions. The current literature supports the traditional use of Momordica charantia in diabetes management and emphasizes the need for further investigation into optimal dosing and long-term efficacy.