Bitter Melon Extract Research Articles

Investigation of the Influence of a Bitter Melon Product on Indicators of Cardiometabolic Health in Adults with Prediabetes

Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of bitter melon extract supplementation on glycemia in individuals with prediabetes. Methods This was a 12-week randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled study where 75 adults with prediabetes were randomly allocated into the low-dose bitter melon (300 mg/day) (n = 26), high-dose bitter melon (600 mg/day) (n = 24), or control (n = 25) groups. Results At baseline and weeks 6 and 12, anthropometrics were measured, and fasting blood samples were obtained. The high-dose (1.05% ± 10.2%) and low-dose bitter melon (3.35% ± 13.2%) groups showed smaller increases in blood glucose levels at 12 wk, compared to the control group (11.0% ± 16.3%) (p < 0.05). A subgroup analysis of participants with age ≥ the median demonstrated a greater reduction in glycated hemoglobin at 12 wk in the high-dose bitter melon group (median change: −0.20%; IQRL: −0.20%, −0.05%) vs. the control group (median change: 0.00%; IQRL: −0.10%, 0.20%) (p = 0.017). Compliance with the interventions was >95%, and the study products were tolerated well. Conclusion The bitter melon extract may help maintain a healthy level of glucose in adults with prediabetes.

Stability and release kinetics of nanoliposomes containing bitter melon fruit extract at different temperatures and pH values, and in simulated gastrointestinal conditions

In this study, the nanoliposomes loaded with bitter melon extract were synthesized at different concentrations of lecithin (1, 3, and 5 g/100 g) and extract (0.5 and 1 g/100 g). Thermal properties of nanoliposomes and their stability at various pH values and temperatures, as well as under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, were assessed. The results showed that an increase in the concentration of lecithin and extract elevated the melting temperature of the nanoliposomes. The release of the extract increased at high temperatures, and it was more pronounced at pH=3 than the other pH values. Also, the release followed a continuous and gradual trend under the simulated gastrointestinal conditions, slower in gastric conditions than in intestinal. Additionally, it was reduced at higher concentrations of lecithin and extract in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The release kinetics of the extract followed different models based on temperature and pH. In conclusion, nanoliposomes were suitable and highly stable carriers for the bitter melon extract encapsulation. Moreover, the controlled release of the extract from the nanoliposomes could be properly evaluated in model systems and foodstuffs using empirical models.

Efektivitas Ekstrak Etanol Buah Pare (Momordica Charantia) dalam Penyembuhan Luka Sayat pada Mencit

Wounds are a condition where the integrity of the skin is disrupted, often requiring a fast and accurate healing process to prevent infection. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia L) is known to have chemical components that potentially accelerate the wound healing process. This study aims to test the effectiveness of bitter melon extract in accelerating wound healing in mice (Mus musculus). The research method used is an experimental method with a post-test only control group design. This study involved 30 mice divided into five treatment groups: negative control, positive control, and three treatment groups with different concentrations of bitter melon extract. The results showed that bitter melon extract could accelerate wound healing in mice, indicated by a significant decrease in wound length in the treatment groups compared to the control groups. Therefore, bitter melon extract has the potential to be used as an alternative treatment to accelerate the wound healing process.

Investigation of the Hypoglycemic Effect of a Bitter Melon Extract in Subjects With Prediabetes: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, and Double-Blind Trial

Investigation of the Hypoglycemic Effect of a Bitter Melon Extract in Subjects With Prediabetes: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, and Double-Blind Trial

Aphrodisiaca Activity of Momordica charantia L. and Areca catechu L. Ethanolic Extract Againts Blood Pressure and Body Weight of White Mile Rats

Advances in the discovery of herbal medicine and the increasing popularity of traditional medicines have made accessto traditional medicines in the market increasingly easier. Bitter melon and areca nut are known to have many benefits and potential as natural medicine. Previous studies has shown the aphrodisiac effects of these two natural ingredients. This research aimed to determine the additional effects, particularly on blood pressure and body weight of rats, when bitter melon and areca nut are administered as aphrodisiacs. Test animal retrieval techniques based on complete randomized design (RAL). Blood pressure was measured using the CODA® instrument on 25 white rats divided into 5 treatment groups, namely the control group (CMC Na 0.5 % 0.5 % w/v), the bitter melon extract group at a dose of 280 mg / kg BW, the areca nut extract group at a dose of 50 mg/kg 50 mg / kg BW, the mixed bitter melon and areca nut extracts group (1: 1), and the X-Gra® group. Blood pressure profiles measured included systolic and diastolic blood as well as changes in rat body weight before and after treatment. The results of the study of systole and diastole blood pressure parameters and rat body weight in groups I, II, III, IV, V analyzed using the Tukey HSD method obtained results that were not significantly different (sig 0.05) in all groups. Based on this study, it was concluded that the aphrodisiac activity of bitter melon and areca nut seeds did not significantly influence changes in blood pressure, systole and diastole, and body weight rats.

Splenic Elemental Composition of Breast Cancer-Suffering Rats Supplemented with Pomegranate Seed Oil and Bitter Melon Extract.

The aim of this study was to investigate how dietary modifications with pomegranate seed oil (PSO) and bitter melon aqueous extract (BME) affect mineral content in the spleen of rats both under normal physiological conditions and with coexisting mammary tumorigenesis. The diet of Sprague-Dawley female rats was supplemented either with PSO or with BME, or with a combination for 21 weeks. A chemical carcinogen (7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene) was applied intragastrically to induce mammary tumors. In the spleen of rats, the selected elements were determined with a quadrupole mass spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma ionization (ICP-MS). ANOVA was used to evaluate differences in elemental composition among experimental groups. Multivariate statistical methods were used to discover whether some subtle dependencies exist between experimental factors and thus influence the element content. Experimental factors affected the splenic levels of macroelements, except for potassium. Both diet modification and the cancerogenic process resulted in significant changes in the content of Fe, Se, Co, Cr, Ni, Al, Sr, Pb, Cd, B, and Tl in rat spleen. Chemometric analysis revealed the greatest impact of the ongoing carcinogenic process on the mineral composition of the spleen. The obtained results may contribute to a better understanding of peripheral immune organ functioning, especially during the neoplastic process, and thus may help develop anticancer prevention and treatment strategies.

Physicochemical properties of yogurt enriched with nanoliposomes containing bitter melon extract

Bitter melon is a medicinal plant for treating many diseases, such as diabetes. However, this plant has a bitter taste, and encapsulation is an appropriate method for its use in food formulations. In this study, bitter melon extract-loaded nanoliposomes were prepared at different concentrations of extract (0.5 and 1%) and lecithin (1, 3, and 5%), and then added to the prepared yogurt. Physicochemical properties and sensory evaluation of yogurt samples were investigated. The results showed that adding encapsulated extract did not affect the pH and acidity of yogurt samples, but it significantly reduced syneresis and increased viscosity. With increasing lecithin concentration, the index L * and b * decreased, and the index a* increased. Sensory evaluation of yogurt samples demonstrated that the samples containing nanoliposomes scored higher in odor, texture, taste, color, and overall acceptability than those containing free extract. Examining charantin release from the nanoliposomes in yogurt in simulated gastrointestinal conditions showed a slow and controlled release. The best model for the release of nanoencapsulated compounds was the first-order equation. The results of this study proved the high efficiency of nanoliposomes for loading the bioactive compounds of bitter melon extract and the possibility of using it in food formulations.

In-vitro Evaluation of Wild Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) Extracts against Periodontopathic Bacteria (Prevotella intermedia and Porphyromonas gingivalis) using Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory and Molecular Docking Analysis.

Wild bitter melon (Momordica charantia) extracts were prepared and their antibacterial and anti-biofilm assay were investigated against two different periodontopathic bacteria (Prevotella intermedia and Porphyromonas gingivalis) for the first time to the best of our knowledge based on the presence of different phytochemical compounds. Momordica charantia solvent extracts were prepared and phytochemical analysis was performed. Minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations were determined. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the standard well diffusion method. Anti-inflammatory studies on periodontal ligament (PDL) cell viability and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation were performed. Molecular docking was investigated between the bioactive compound (Charantadiol A) of plant extract and biofilm-expressing genes in each test organism. Phytochemicals from ethanol extract showed promising results; alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and tannins were found present at considerable levels. The minimum inhibitory concentration was found to be 400 μg/mL for Prevotella intermedia and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Antibacterial activity expressed in terms of zone of inhibition showed 14 mm to 18 mm zones against the test organisms. The molecular docking report revealed the maximum binding energy of about -6.54 Kcal/Mol of binding energy between Charantadiol A and fimA of Porphyromonas gingivalis. Anti-biofilm study showed that the minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) of Momordica charantia expressed significantly good results against the test organisms. The PDL cell viability values expressed in percentage indicated the anti-inflammatory properties of Momordica charantia extracts at three different known concentrations. The findings concluded that Momordica charantia extracts have promising prospects as an anti-periodontopathic and anti-inflammatory agent.

Feeding Activity of Heliotis armigera Hubner Larvae on Food Formulated with Ethanol Extracts of Bitter Melon Leaves (Momordica charantia L.), Galangal Leaves (Lactuna indica L.) and Adjuvant Agrestic

The research on the Feeding Activity of Heliotis armigera Hubner larvae on food formulated with ethanol extracts of bitter melon leaves (Momordica charantia L.), galangal leaves (Lactuna indica L.) and adjuvant agrestic has been conducted. This study used the ratio formulation of bitter melon and galangal (1:1, 1:2, 2:1), 1% adtjuvan agristik. The feeding activity was observed using the feeding method with several concentrations (0.00, 0.58, 1.16, 1.74, 2.32, 2.92) and 15 larvae for iterations using a completely randomized design (CRD). The data from the observations were analyzed using variance; if there were differences, it would proceed to the Duncan test of 5%. Insect feeding activity is influenced by food containing concentrations of 1.16% - 2.92% of a formulation (1:1, 1:2, 2:1) of bitter melon leaf extract, galangal leaf extract, and 1% agrestic adjuvant, leading to a decrease in insect growth rate (RGR). The insect's feeding ability (RCR), ability to convert consumed food into usable nutrients (ECI), and ability to digest food and utilize it (ECD) are also reduced. Conversely, the ability to digest insect food (AD) is increased. The best formulation and concentration are (2:1) and (1.74%).

Bitter melon extract mitigates heterocyclic aromatic amine formation in chicken thigh meat.

The purpose of the present research was to study the impact of bitter melon extract (BME) on the generation of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) in chicken thigh meat. Raw chicken samples were marinated overnight with various levels (0%, 0.5%, and 1%) of BME, and pan-fried at 150, 200, and 250°C for a total of 10 min. IQx, IQ, MeIQx, MeIQ, 7,8-DiMeIQx, 4,8-DiMeIQx, PhIP, AαC, and MeAαC were detected in quantities that varied according to the cooking temperature and the concentration of BME. Notably, IQx, MeIQx, MeIQ, 7,8-DiMeIQx, 4,8-DiMeIQx, and AαC levels were reduced through the application of the marinade. Cooking at higher temperatures led to elevated levels of total HAAs. Total HAA levels were 0.98 ± 1.12 ng/g, 3.82 ± 2.12 ng/g, and 6.25 ± 3.35 ng/g in samples cooked at 150, 200, and 250°C, respectively (p < .01). BME demonstrated its effectiveness in mitigating total HAA levels, showing reductions ranging from 25.9% to 69.9%. The most effective concentration of BME in reducing total HAAs was 1% for all cooking temperatures, which might be attributed to its antioxidant activity. These results carry substantial implications for potentially incorporating natural extracts such as BME into chicken products as a viable strategy to reduce HAAs, thus enhancing the safety and quality of meat products.

Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia L) Fruit Extract Affects The Gonad Development and Ovulation of Female Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus); Study of Gonadal Morphology and Histopathology

One of the problems in the cultivation of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is the ability to reproduce early and quickly mature gonads so that the fish kept are difficult to reach the size of market demand. This study aims to determine the effect of various doses of bitter melon fruit extract on the development of female gonads and to study the histopathological changes in the structure of the gonad. This research was carried out in July-September 2021. There were 600 juveniles of tilapia used in this study. Tilapia rearing was carried out in 12 containers (each 200 L volume of water) for 60 days. The experimental design was carried out with 4 treatments of bitter melon extract (BME) consisting of 0 g, 0.1 g, 0.2 g, and 0.3 g for 1 kg of feed and 3 replicates. Parameters observed were gonad morphology, gonad somatic index, and histopathology of the gonad. The gonadal maturity index for all treatment has not significant (P&gt;0.05) but the morphology of the gonad showed differences in size and color. Based on histopathology analysis shows structural changes in the form of oocyte cells undergoing necrosis and increased oocyte atresia in BME treatment.

Exploring the Influence of the Selected Conjugated Fatty Acids Isomers and Cancerous Process on the Fatty Acids Profile of Spleen

The spleen, traditionally associated with blood filtration and immune surveillance, has recently been recognized for its role in systemic lipid metabolism and potential influence on cancer development and progression. This study investigates effects of dietary supplements, specifically conjugated linolenic acids from pomegranate seed oil and bitter melon extract, on the fatty acid (FA) composition of the spleen in the context of cancerous processes. Advanced methods, including gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and silver ion-impregnated high-performance liquid chromatography, were employed to analyze the spleen’s FA profile. Our research uncovered that dietary supplementation leads to alterations in the spleen’s FA profile, especially under the carcinogenic influence of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene. These changes did not align with a simple protective or anti-carcinogenic pattern, as previously suggested in in vitro studies. We observed shifts in conjugated FA isomer concentrations and variations in desaturase activities, suggesting disrupted lipid metabolism in cancerous conditions. The findings underscore the spleen’s vital role in lipid metabolism within the body’s systemic health framework, highlighting the complexity of dietary supplements’ impact on FA profiles in the spleen and their potential implications in cancer progression and treatment. This study adds valuable insight into the complex interplay between diet, disease, and metabolic regulation, particularly in cancerous environments.

Preparation and effectiveness evaluation of placebo of Jiawei Ermiao Granules

This study explored the preparation process of the placebo of Jiawei Ermiao Granules and evaluated the placebo effect, aiming to provide qualified placebo samples for clinical trials of Jiawei Ermiao Granules and a reference for the preparation and quality evaluation of placebos of traditional Chinese medicine granules. On the basis of the comprehensive analysis results of Jiawei Ermiao Granules, the orthogonal experiment was conducted to optimize the flavoring agents and colorants. After manual evaluation, the placebo formula was determined as dextrin 10 g, Codonopsis Radix extract 5.0 g, bitter melon extract 1.6 g, Mume Fructus extract 0.3 g, stevioside 0.1 g, sucrose octaacetate 0.004 g, indigo 0.004 g, lemon yellow 0.003 1 g, sunset yellow 0.001 8 g, bitter tea powder 0.001 8 g, caramel 0.001 3 g. Pilot trials were conducted on the placebo formula. The simulation effect of placebo was evaluated independently and comparatively, and the objectively evaluated by electronic nose and electronic tongue. The results showed that the independent manual evaluation of the placebo formula had higher error rate, and the placebo and Jiawei Ermiao Granules showed the similarity of 99.61% in the comparative manual evaluation. The smell similarity between the placebo and Jiawei Ermiao Granules was 99.19%, and the electronic tongue test showed little difference in the taste. In conclusion, the placebo prepared in this study shows a high similarity to Jiawei Ermiao Granules, which is not easy to break the blindness when being applied to clinical trials. This study provides a reference for the preparation and quality evaluation and promotes the large-scale production of placebos of traditional Chinese medicine granules, playing a role in improving the persuasiveness and acceptance of the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicines.

Лигнаны и другие компоненты фитоэкстрактов для лечения фиброзно-кистозной мастопатии

Objective. Comparative analysis of data on various plant extracts and their components, characterized by antitumor and antiinflammatory effects. Materials and methods. Systematic data analysis using topological recognition theory methods, clinical study of patients with fibrocystic mastopathy (FCM). Results. The analysis showed that the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antitumor properties of extracts of oleander, hauttuynia cordata, mistletoe, bitter melon, ginkgo biloba, grape seeds, cohosh, chasteberry and common spruce may be useful in the treatment of mastopathy and the prevention of breast cancer. A new class of candidate molecules with special antitumor properties, resinol lignans, has been isolated from Norway spruce extracts. In particular, 7-hydroxymatairesinol can be used for FCM, accompanied by various manifestations of menopausal syndrome, incl. mastalgia. The presented results of the original clinical study showed that during therapy with FCM 7-hydroxymatairesinol, there was a decrease or complete disappearance of menopausal syndrome, pain in the mammary glands and other symptoms. Positive dynamics of estrogen metabolites, their ratios and blood lipid profile indicators were noted, indicating normalization of estrogen metabolism. According to ultrasound data, after therapy with 7-hydroxymatairesinol, a decrease in the number and size of cystic formations in FCM was noted. Conclusion. Despite the fact that lignans from spruce extracts are the least studied, this group of compounds is promising for use in FCM to normalize estrogen metabolism and reduce fibrocystic changes in the mammary glands. Key words: phytoextracts, fibrocystic mastopathy, mastalgia, menopausal syndrome, 7-hydroxymatairesinol

The Effect of Bitter Melon Extract on Cholesterol, IL-6, and Malondialdehyde Serum Levels

Hypercholesterolemia is a condition by an increase total cholesterol and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, which can lead the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines Interleukin-6 (IL-6) through the activation of the NF-kB pathway oxidative stress, and increase in Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Studies showed that the extract of bitter melon contains flavonoids as antioxidants can reduce cholesterol levels. To find out the effect of bitter melon extract on total cholesterol levels, IL-6, and MDA in hypercholesterolemic rats. Experimental research with Post Test Only Group Design. The research subjects were 25 wistar rats divided into 5 groups. Group K(N) normal rats, K(-) were only given a hypercholesterol diet for 28 days, groups K(+), P1, and P2 were given a hypercholesterol diet for 14 days followed by 14 days of hypercholesterol diet along with simvastatin at 0.09 mg/kgBW, bitter melon extract at 150 mg/kgBW, and combination of bitter melon extract at 75 mg/kgBW and simvastatin at 0.045 mg/kgBW. On the 29th day the rats were examined. The results of the Shapiro-Wilk and Levene tests showed that the data were normally distributed and homogenous. One-Way ANOVA and Tukey test was found that the levels of cholesterol, IL-6, and MDA in the P1, P2, and P3 hypercholesterolemic rat groups underwent significantly (p0.05) compared to the control group. The extract of bitter melon, simvastatin, and the combination of simvastatin and bitter melon extract have effect on reducing cholesterol levels, IL-6, and MDA in hypercholesterolemic rats.

The Effect of Antimicrobial Extract on The Characteristics of Tomatoes Coated by Edible Coating based on Tapioca Flour

The edible coating is a food coating material inhibitor of transpiration and respiration. Layer is not fully effective in preventing food spoilage. The spoilage process can occur more quickly if fruit with high moisture content has infected. The research aimed to determine optimum concentration of antimicrobial extract in maintaining shelf life and shrinkage of tomatoes, dominant bacteria in fruit spoilage, between Escherichia coli or staphylococcus. Figure out antimicrobial extracts that are effective in preventing microbial growth. Research begins with the extraction process, testing the active compounds in the extract, combining edible coatings and white turmeric and bitter melon extract with concentrations of 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 100 respectively), tomato fruit coating. The tests included shelf life, weight loss, best antimicrobial extract, and inhibition diameter. The results more concentration of the extract made the shelf life longer to 14 days and reduced shrinkage by 3.53%. Secondary metabolite compounds in the form of saponins, steroids, and triterpenoids. The minimum concentration of 30% bitter melon and white turmeric extract to prevent bacterial activity and the diameter of the inhibition zone in the range of 10-12 mm showed the extract had the moderate ability. The more dominant bacteria in tomato fruit rot is Staphylococcus aureus.

Effects of Momordica charantia (MC) Extract on Clinical Symptoms, Parasite Account, Thrombocytes, Total Bilirubin and Direct Bilirubin in Patients with Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum Malaria: A Case Report

Clinical symptoms during the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria have been reported in several studies. Parasite density in the blood is associated with clinical symptoms, platelet, and bilirubin count. A 52-year-old male, weighing 52 kg, was given one capsule containing 325 mg bitter melon (Momordica charantia) extract for 3 days of treatment. Patients were followed up for 28 days, days 1,2,3,4,7,14,21,28, and peripheral blood microscopic examination and clinical symptoms were carried out. Measurement of platelets, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin D0, D14 and D28. Naranjo Scale, adverse events measurements were taken on D7, no signs of severe malaria, no comorbidities, no history of malaria, blood pressure 110/80 mmHg, peripheral blood parasite examination on D0 found P. falciparum parasites of 31,714/µL, D0 platelet value of 94x10 /mm3, D0 total bilirubin value of 1.3 mg% and D0 direct bilirubin value of 0.6 mµ/mL. On D1 parasite count was 2,400/µL, D2 was 372/µL, D3, D4, D7, D14, D21, D28 no asexual parasites were found again. Clinical symptoms that arose on D0 were nausea, no appetite, sweating, chills, sleep disturbance, dizziness, headache, and weakness with a body temperature of 37°C. After D3 of bitter melon extract treatment, no clinical symptoms were found again. Naranjo scale score based on nurse and pharmacist agreement was 6 (probable) at D7 for the adverse events of nausea and vomiting. There were no reported adverse events such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cough, sleep disturbance, dizziness, headache and weakness on D2 treatment. Bitter melon extract is effective for uncomplicated malaria P. falciparum, reduces clinical symptoms, and is safe.

The potential of bitter melon extract on cellular non-specific immunity of koi fish (Cyprinus carpio) after Aeromonas salmonicida infection

Abstract. Andayani S, Fadjar M, Suprastyani H, Rahmawati A, Nurhalisa, Nadiro VN. 2023. The potential of bitter melon extract on cellular non-specific immunity of koi fish (Cyprinus carpio) after Aeromonas salmonicida infection. Biodiversitas 24: 5215-5222. Indonesia has rich and potential fisheries resources both in freshwater (inland), coastal, and ocean. Potential fishery resources in freshwater include the diversity of fish species (germplasm) and fishery land. Utilization of freshwater fisheries potential can be realized by conducting fish farming, especially for economically valuable fish commodities, such as koi fish (Cyprinus carpio). Improving koi fish farming can be done by using bitter melon extract as an immunity enhancer. This study was conducted with the aim to determine the effect of bitter melon extract on cellular non-specific immune response. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) method, with 4 treatments and 3 replicates, consisting of treatment K = not given bitter melon extract and not infected, A = dose of bitter melon extract 100 ppm, B = bitter melon extract 150 ppm, C = bitter melon extract 200 ppm. Before being given the treatment, the test fish were acclimatized with the aim of ensuring that the fish were healthy, not stressed and did not experience death. In addition, the dose of extract treatment and soaking time have been through the LD50 test as well as the density of bacterial infection and the length of time of infection have been through the LC50 test so that it has been confirmed that it does not cause stress and death in fish, with results SR 100%. A total of 10 fish were immersed into each treatment container (15 liters of water mixed with the extract) for 60 hours. Infection of Aeromonas salmonicida bacteria by immersion was carried out 5 days after immersion in bitter melon extract with a bacterial density of 107 cells.mL-1 for 1 hour. The results showed that lymphocytes increased after being given bitter melon extract and infected with A. salmonicida bacteria with a value of 63-83%. Monocytes increased from 3% to 8%, and Neutrophils increased from 4% to 9%. Phagocytosis activity increased from 18.4% to 28.9%, indicating that bitter melon extract can enhance non-specific immunity.

The neuroprotective potential of turmeric rhizome and bitter melon on aspartame-induced spatial memory impairment in rats

Aspartame is widely used artificial sweetener. However, chronic exposure to aspartame led to spatial memory impairment and elevated oxidative stress in the brain. Extract of turmeric rhizome (Curcuma longa) (TUR) and extract of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) (BM) is known to have antioxidant activity. The present study was aimed to examine the neuroprotective potential of TUR and BM extracts, either as single or as combination, against the effects of aspartame in the brain. Here, Sprague-Dawley rats fed with aspartame (40 mg/kg BW) for 28 days were compared with rats fed with extract and aspartame. To assess neuroprotective potential, rats were given extract 7 days before and during aspartame treatment. Spatial memory was assessed with Morris water maze test followed with H&E staining of hippocampal region. Brain lipid peroxidation and enzymatic activity of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were measured to probe status of oxidative stress in the brain. Aspartame-treated rats demonstrated spatial memory impairment and reduced number of hippocampal cells and elevated levels of MDA, downregulated activity of GPx and elevated activity of AChE. In contrast, animals received both aspartame and extract demonstrated better spatial memory function, higher number of hippocampal areas, increased GPX activity, reduced MDA levels, and decreased AChE activity were observed in the brain of extract-treated rats. Taken together, our results suggest that extract of TUR rhizome and BM fruit exhibit antioxidant activity which may contribute to the neuroprotective effects against aspartame-induced memory impairment in rats.

Clinical application of Momordica charantia (Bitter Melon) for reducing blood sugar in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Bitter melon is a popular fruit cultivated in Southeast Asia and other tropical climate regions. Bitter melon has been used in traditional medicine because of its numerous medicinal benefits, including having hypoglycemic effects. This has an indication for diabetic patients, and several clinical trials have provided evidence that orally administered bitter melon extract can reduce A1C and blood sugar levels in diabetes patients. In vitro and in vivo mechanistic studies suggest that bitter melon’s anti-diabetic actions work through intra- and extra-pancreatic mechanisms. Herein we summarize and highlight these mechanistic and clinical studies that have demonstrated the hypoglycemic effects of bitter melon in type 2 diabetes patients.