Preprint / Version 1

Potential for Improved Glycemic Control with Dietary Momordica charantia in Patients with Insulin Resistance and Pre-Diabetes

Authors

  • Jimmy Efird East Carolina Heart Institute and the Center for Health Disparities, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
  • Yuk Choi Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Program, School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27402, USA; E-Mail: [email protected]
  • Stephen Davies Department of General Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; E-Mail: [email protected]
  • Sanjay Mehra Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; E-Mail: [email protected]
  • Ethan Anderson Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; E-Mails: [email protected] (E.J.A.); [email protected] (L.A.K.)
  • Lalage Katunga Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; E-Mails: [email protected] (E.J.A.); [email protected] (L.A.K.)

Keywords:

Momordica charantia, bitter melon, insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, glycemic control

Abstract

Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) is a widely used traditional remedy for hyperglycemia. While the medicinal properties of this plant have been studied extensively using in vitro and animal models, the clinical efficacy and safety in humans is largely unknown. This review discusses the benefits and limitations of bitter melon supplementation in the context of epidemic levels of insulin resistance and pre-diabetes throughout the world. Keywords: Momordica charantia, bitter melon, insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, glycemic control

Author Biography

Ethan Anderson, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; E-Mails: [email protected] (E.J.A.); [email protected] (L.A.K.)

East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute (ECDOI) at East Carolina University, 115 Heart Drive, East Carolina Heart Institute, Greenville, NC 27834, USA