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| Bitter Melon |
Not many would have heard of Bitter Melon, also known as balsam pear, bitter gourd, or karela, but in recent times, it medicinal potential is generating excitement in many parts of Asia, Africa, and South America. And the reason is not far-fetched. It has been used extensively in folk medicines as an herbal remedy for diabetes specifically in India, China, and Central America.
Studies have shown that biter melon has the potential at lowering glucose and cholesterol in humans, hence its recommendation as a supplement for diabetic patients. The fruit is said to be helpful in treating viral diseases such as measles. Also, in many parts of Asia, especially in the Philippines, it is believed that the consumption of bitter melon is helpful in preventing the contraction of malaria. Studies have shown that it does indeed possess antimalarial activity, although its efficacy in humans is still being analysed. Aside from being used as an antiviral foodstuff, compounds in the bitter melon fruit have also been shown to help treat HIV-infected individuals.
Bitter melon has been found to kill cancer cells not only in a laboratory dish but also in animal trials. The literature regarding the anticancer properties of bitter melon is quite extensive. Bitter melon has now shown activity against cancers of the breast, pancreas, prostate, colon, liver, stomach and nasopharynx, as well as leukaemia and neuroblastoma.
In a 2010 study from Saint Louis University, USA, bitter melon extract was effective against human breast cancer cells and primary human mammary epithelial cells. It was able to reduce the proliferation of cancer cells and induce cell death in breast cancer cells – and has been suggested as a dietary supplement for prevention of breast cancer.
The fruit of the bitter melon vine is usually harvested while it is still light green to pale yellow in colour. It becomes more bitter as it ripens. The young fruits are then split or cut in half, and the seeds and pith are taken out and discarded. The fruit is then prepared as a vegetable or as a juice.
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