Himalaya Bitter Melon/ Bitter Gourd/ Karela

Karela (Bitter Melon/Bitter Gourd/Momordica charantia) offers a host of medicinal benefits and is a key herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Recent medical studies have indicated that Karela contains a ¿plant-insulin¿ which helps in lowering blood sugar levels. The juice of the plant is helpful in treating alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity. Karela is commonly eaten in Asia. In fact, Health Canada recommends eating Karela on their website under ¿Treat Your Taste Buds¿, suggesting Karela as an unique, new nutritious food to try (Choosing Vegetables and Fruits, Health Canada, February 2008). Karela is a tropical, bitter vegetable mainly cultivated in a few Asian and African countries. Active constituents: The fruit and seed contain a polypeptide, p-insulin, which is considered similar structurally and pharmacologically to bovine insulin(Fitoterapia, 60, 1989, Chemical Abstract 112, 1990). The seed and fruit contain an inhibitor of HIV, MAP-30 (momordica anti-HIV-protein) which exhibits antiviral and antitumor activity in vitro(Chemical Abstract, 113, 1990; Fitoterapia, 117, 1992). Another protein, MRK-29 found in the seed and fruit of a smaller variety of Karela originating from Thailand, inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase and increases the tumor necrosis (killing tumorous cells) factor (Planta Medica, 67, 2001, Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database 2007). It is also rich in vitamins A and C, beta carotene, as well as the minerals phosphorous, iron and potassium. Herb functions: Antidiabetic: Karela helps support normal blood sugar levels with compounds called charantin and momordicin. Additional key compounds such as vicine, peptides and polypeptide-p (plant insulin) work together to lend the vegetable-fruit its antihyperglycemic potency. Karela enhances peripheral glucose utilization and increases serum protein levels. It also increases glucose absorption and fatty acid oxidation and improves insulin sensitivity. Karela significantly reduces hyperglycemia, glycated hemoglobin (Hb A1C) levels, total cholesterol levels and free fatty acid levels (Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice,August 2008, 81(2), 134¿43). Insulinomimetic (insulin-like): Insulin is responsible for maintaing normal glucose levels in the blood. Karela, by its insulin-like action and by increasing the secretion of insulin, helps in reducing excessive blood glucose levels. Karela also possesses antioxidant properties which help in reducing the risk of diabetic complications by scavenging free radicals. Hepatoprotective: The fruit extract was found to significantly increase the active liver enzymes glutathione s-transferase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, which suggest the role of Karela in preventing hepatotoxicity (International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research, Volume 1, Issue 2, March/April 2010). Hypolipidemic: The compounds in Karela improve lipid profiles. They reduce the secretion of apolipoprotein B by the liver which is the primary lipoprotein present in low density or ¿bad¿cholesterol. Karela reduces apolipoprotein C-III, the protein found in low-density cholesterolwhich turns into LDL cholesterol. Karela increases apolipoprotein A-1, the major protein component of high-density or ¿good¿ cholesterol. It also lowers cellular triglyceride content. Karela fruit and seeds have been shown to reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels both when dietary cholesterol is absent and present (International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research, Volume 1, Issue 2, March/April 2010). Antipsoriatic: Karela inhibits the enzyme guanylate cyclase, which may benefit people with psoriasis. Indications: As an adjuvant in diabetes mellitus Contraindications: None Recommended dose: One capsule, twice a day or as directed by your physician Composition Each capsule contains 250mg extract of Karela Note: Since Himalaya¿s Pure Herbs are in capsule form, some children below 14 years may find it difficult to swallow them. For this reason, Pure Herbs are recommended for children ages 14 and above. Botanical Name : MOMORDICA CHARANTIA Family Name : CUCURBITACEAE Common Name : BITTER MELON, BITTER GOURD, BALSAM PEAR, BALSAM APPLE, MELEGA SAGA Karela is widely grown in India. It is a climbing vine and the fruits are used. In Ayurveda, the fruit is considered as emetic, laxative, antibilous, tonic, stomachic, stimulant and alternative. Several studies have shown it to be extremely good for maintaining normal glucose levels in the blood and urine. Karela also supports the health of the pancreas, liver and spleen. It detoxifies and purifies blood. KARELA IN AYURVEDA: According to Ayurveda, Karela is kapha and pitta suppressant. Due to its properties it is very helpful in cooling the body so as to suppress the skin related problems caused by the excess of pitta. It also promotes wound healing. Due to its rasa it is very useful in normalizing the digestive tract and also helps in improving peristaltic movements in the body. Due to its bitter taste it is useful in suppressing worm infestation. It also helps in regularizing the urinary tract. It has remarkable properties in maintaining blood sugar levels. As per Ayurveda, Karela's gunna or properties are that it is laghu (light) and ruksh (dry). It's rasa or taste is katu or pungent and tickta or bitter. Its Virya or potency is ushan or hot. KARELA RESEARCH AND CLINICAL STUDIES Unlike many herbs, Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) is commonly eaten as a dish, proof positive of its safety. In fact, Health Canada even recommends it on their website under "Treat Your Taste Buds," suggesting Bitter Melon as a unique new fruit to try for good nutrition.1 1Choosing Vegetables and Fruits," Health Canada, Feb. 2008 A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 40 subjects. Prior to the study, chemical parameters such as fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, weight and glycosylated HG (Alc) were measured. The group was divided into the Bitter Melon group and the placebo. The Bitter Melon group reported positive indications that Bitter Melon supports Alc and other parameters with no adverse side effects.* The information on this page is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat your problem without consulting your doctor.