bitter melon

Bitter melon contains an array of biologically active plant chemicals including triterpenes, proteins and steroids, in numerous studies, at least three different groups of constituents found in all parts of bitter melon have clinically demonstrated blood sugar-lowering properties. Bitter melon has the ability to enhance a cells uptake of glucose, to promote insulin release and to potentiate the effect of insulin. Bitter melon lowers blood sugar by increasing the activity hexokinase and glucokinase- enzymes in the body that convert sugar into glycogen stored in the liver.

In the December issue 2003 of Journal of Phytotherapy, the Doctors W Jia, W Jao, and L Tang writes “Pharmacological and clinical evaluations indicate that bitter melon had a significant blood glucose lowering effect and that the long term use may be advantageous over chemical drug in alleviating some of the chronic disease and complications caused by diabetes. The use of natural agents in conjunction with conventional drug treatment, such as insulin, permits the use of lower doses of the drug and/or decreased frequency of administration which decreases the side effects most commonly observed”. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) and Huereque (Ibervillea sonorae) are the ingredients of Blood Sugar Combo from Nepatica.