Development of medicinal food recipes including bitter gourd, fenugreek and guava for type II diabetes

Abstract

ObjectiveUsing potential health benefits of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) and guava (Psidium guajava) as medicinal foods for the dietary management of the type II diabetes.MethodUse internet research, peer‐reviewed published papers and books that deal with antidiabetic components of these fruits and vegetables.ResultBitter gourd contains a polypeptide called gurmarin and alkaloid momordicine, the bitter component in the gourd. Fenugreek has unique dietary fiber composition and high saponin content to act as hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic agents in both animal and human studies. Guava leaves possess flavonoid glycosides such as pedunculagin, strictinin, and isostrictinin which are the effective constituents that have been used in clinical treatment of diabetes to improve the sensitivity of insulin. Various recipes were developed and subjected to computer nutrient analyses to insure nutritional adequacy.ConclusionThese antidiabetic components from bitter gourd, fenugreek, and guava can be incorporated into recipes with new possibilities of improve and/or prevent the Type II diabetes and/or its clinical complications.