Effects of Momordica charantia (Bittergourd) and Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) Supplements in Type-2 Diabetics Taking Allopathic Drugs

Abstract

Background: Bittergourd fruit and Fenugreek seeds are the herbal supplements well known with glucose and lipid-lowering properties.
 Objective: To assess the effects of Bittergourd and Fenugreek supplements in Type-2 diabetics taking allopathic drugs on blood sugar and lipid profile.
 Methods: Open-label, 4-parallel-group, prospective interventional clinical trial was conducted on 48 Type-2 diabetics.They were divided in to four groupsof 12 each. Group Ireceived allopathic drugs alone, Group II, III and IV received supplementation of Bittergourd juice, Fenugreek seeds and Bittergourd juice+Fenugreek seeds together respectively. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), postprandial blood sugar (PPBS) and fasting lipid profile were measured on day 0,7, 15, 30 and 90. P-value was set at 0.05 level of significance. One-way ANOVA and post-hoc multiple comparison by Tukey was applied using SPSS version 21.
 Results: Forty two participants completed the study with no adverse events. Supplementation with Bittergourd juice + Fenugreek on day 90 significantly (p-value=0.021) lowered FBS by 19% (p-value=0.021) and PPBS by 35% (p-value=0.001). Supplementation with Fenugreek and Bittergourd juice+Fenugreek both  on day 90 significantly (p-value=0.000) lowered serum cholesterol by 16% and 14%, Serum triglyceride by 16% and 21% and LDL-cholesterol by 18% and 17%; however, only Fenugreek supplementation was significantly (p-value=0.015) able to increase HDL-cholesterol by 10%.
 Conclusion: Effects of different herbal supplements in Type-2 diabetics for 90 days was observed. Bittergourd juice+Fenugreek seeds combination can lower FBS and PPBS. Both Fenugreek seeds and Bittergourd juice+Fenugreek seeds combination could lower serum cholesterol, Triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol. However, only Fenugreek seeds were capable of increasing serum HDL-cholesterol.
 Keywords: Bittergourd; Fenugreek; Herbal-supplement; Type 2 diabetes mellitus