1
|
Laczkó-Zöld E, Csupor-Löffler B, Kolcsár EB, Ferenci T, Nan M, Tóth B, Csupor D. The metabolic effect of Momordica charantia cannot be determined based on the available clinical evidence: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Front Nutr 2024; 10:1200801. [PMID: 38274207 PMCID: PMC10808600 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1200801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Several studies have shown that Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae, bitter melon) has beneficial effects on metabolic syndrome (MetS) parameters and exerts antidiabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-obesity activities. Since the findings of these studies are contradictory, the goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of bitter melon in the treatment of metabolic syndrome, with special emphasis on the anti-diabetic effect. Embase, Cochrane, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched for randomized controlled human trials (RCTs). The meta-analysis was reported according to the PRISMA statement. The primary outcomes of the review are body weight, BMI, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin A1c, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, serum triglyceride, HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol levels. Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis with 414 patients in total and 4-16 weeks of follow-up. In case of the meta-analysis of change scores, no significant effect could be observed for bitter melon treatment over placebo on fasting blood glucose level (MD = -0.03; 95% CI: -0.38 to 0.31; I2 = 34%), HbA1c level (MD = -0.12; 95% CI: -0.35 to 0.11; I2 = 56%), HDL (MD = -0.04; 95% CI: -0.17 to 0.09; I2 = 66%), LDL (MD = -0.10; 95% CI: -0.28 to 0.08; I2 = 37%), total cholesterol (MD = -0.04; 95% CI: -0.17 to 0.09; I2 = 66%,), body weight (MD = -1.00; 95% CI: -2.59-0.59; I2 = 97%), BMI (MD = -0.42; 95% CI: -0.99-0.14; I2 = 95%), systolic blood pressure (MD = 1.01; 95% CI: -1.07-3.09; I2 = 0%) and diastolic blood pressure levels (MD = 0.24; 95% CI: -1.04-1.53; I2 = 0%). Momordica treatment was not associated with a notable change in ALT, AST, and creatinine levels compared to the placebo, which supports the safety of this plant. However, the power was overall low and the meta-analyzed studies were also too short to reliably detect long-term metabolic effects. This highlights the need for additional research into this plant in carefully planned clinical trials of longer duration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Laczkó-Zöld
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, "George Emil Palade" University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences, and Technology of Târgu Mureş, Târgu Mureş, Romania
| | - Boglárka Csupor-Löffler
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Szentágothai Research Centre, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Edina-Blanka Kolcsár
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, "George Emil Palade" University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences, and Technology of Târgu Mureş, Târgu Mureş, Romania
| | - Tamás Ferenci
- Physiological Controls Research Center, Óbuda University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Statistics, Corvinus University of Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Monica Nan
- Pharmacy Department, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Round Rock, Round Rock, TX, United States
| | - Barbara Tóth
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Dezső Csupor
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Szentágothai Research Centre, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cortez-Navarrete M, Méndez-Del Villar M, Martínez-Abundis E, López-Murillo LD, Escobedo-Gutiérrez MDJ, Rosales-Rivera LY, Pérez-Rubio KG. Effect of Momordica charantia Administration on Anthropometric Measures and Metabolic Profile in Patients with Obesity: A Pilot Clinical Trial. J Med Food 2022; 25:645-651. [PMID: 35507955 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2021.0164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Momordica charantia (MC) administration on anthropometric measures in patients with obesity. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial was carried out in 24 patients with obesity. Twelve patients randomly received MC (2000 mg/day) for 12 weeks, and 12 patients received placebo. Body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage, as well as clinical and laboratory determinations, were evaluated before and after the intervention. Results showed that while reductions in BW, BMI, WC, and body fat percentage were observed in the MC group, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Significant decreases in triglycerides (TG) (1.9 ± 0.6 mM vs. 1.7 ± 0.7 mM, P ≤ .05) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (0.4 ± 0.1 mM vs. 0.3 ± 0.1 mM, P ≤ .05) levels were found after the intervention with MC. In contrast, significant increases in BW (83.0 ± 10.7 kg vs. 84.6 ± 9.1 kg, P ≤ .05) and BMI (31.9 ± 1.5 kg/m2 vs. 33.0 ± 1.3 kg/m2, P ≤ .05) were observed in the placebo group. In conclusion, no significant reductions in BW, BMI, WC, and body fat percentage were observed after MC administration; however, MC significantly decreased TG and VLDL levels. The protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier NCT04916379.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marisol Cortez-Navarrete
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Therapeutics, Department of Physiology, Health Science University Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Miriam Méndez-Del Villar
- Multidisciplinary Health Research Center, Biomedical Sciences Department, University Center of Tonala, University of Guadalajara, Tonala, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Esperanza Martínez-Abundis
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Therapeutics, Department of Physiology, Health Science University Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Luis D López-Murillo
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Therapeutics, Department of Physiology, Health Science University Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Miriam de J Escobedo-Gutiérrez
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Therapeutics, Department of Physiology, Health Science University Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Lizet Y Rosales-Rivera
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Therapeutics, Department of Physiology, Health Science University Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Karina G Pérez-Rubio
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Therapeutics, Department of Physiology, Health Science University Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Russell C, Keshavamurthy S, Saha S. Nutraceuticals in the Management of Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Where is the Evidence? Cardiovasc Hematol Disord Drug Targets 2021; 21:150-161. [PMID: 34852755 DOI: 10.2174/1871529x21666211201104124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease continues to rise at an alarming rate, and research focuses on possible therapies to reduce the risk and slow down its progression. Several epidemiological studies have indicated that dietary modifications, such as increased consumption of fruits and vegetables play an important role in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors. Food sources rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic properties are thought to ameliorate the progression of cardiovascular disease and serve as a potential treatment mode. Many in vivo and in vitro studies using turmeric, cinnamon, mango, blueberries, red wine, chocolate, and extra virgin olive oil have demonstrated significant improvements in cholesterol profiles, toxic reactive oxygen species, inflammation, obesity, and hypertension. In this review, we summarize recent evidence on the cardioprotective effect of different food groups, outline their potential mechanisms involved in slowing down the progression of cardiovascular disease, and highlight the beneficial effects associated with increased consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cody Russell
- The American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. 0
| | | | - Sibu Saha
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Department of Surgery Professor of Surgery and Bioengineering. 0
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cortez-Navarrete M, Méndez-Del Villar M, Ramos-González EJ, Pérez-Rubio KG. Momordica Charantia: A Review of Its Effects on Metabolic Diseases and Mechanisms of Action. J Med Food 2021; 24:1017-1027. [PMID: 33733863 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2020.0206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The global rise in the prevalence of metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia is a serious public health issue. The search for safe and effective complementary and alternative therapies to treat metabolic disorders is a key field of research. Momordica charantia (MC) is a tropical and subtropical vine of the Cucurbitaceae family used as a medicinal plant since ancient times. Although MC has been widely studied for its hypoglycemic potential, hypolipidemic and antiobesity effects have also been reported in preclinical studies and clinical trials. This study aims to review the metabolic effects of MC reported in clinical trials as well as its mechanisms of action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marisol Cortez-Navarrete
- Instituto de Terapéutica Experimental y Clínica, Departamento de Fisiología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | - Miriam Méndez-Del Villar
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Tonalá, Jalisco, México
| | - Elsy Janeth Ramos-González
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica de Zacatecas, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Zacatecas, Zacatecas, México
| | - Karina G Pérez-Rubio
- Instituto de Terapéutica Experimental y Clínica, Departamento de Fisiología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
The Effect of Momordica charantia in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus: A Review. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:3796265. [PMID: 33510802 PMCID: PMC7826218 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3796265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, many studies of Momordica charantia (MC) in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications have been reported. This article reviewed the effect and mechanism of MC against diabetes, including the results from in vitro and in vivo experiments and clinical trials. The common side effects of MC were also summarized. We hope that it might open up new ideas for further mechanism exploration and clinical application as well as provide a scientific theoretical basis for the development of drugs or foods derived from MC.
Collapse
|
6
|
Mohammadmoradi S, Howatt DA, Lu HS, Daugherty A, Saha SP. Bitter Melon ( Momordica charantia L.) Supplementation Has No Effect on Hypercholesterolemia and Atherosclerosis in Mice. Curr Dev Nutr 2020; 4:nzaa148. [PMID: 33103042 PMCID: PMC7568838 DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzaa148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bitter melon (BM; Momordica charantia L.) has been reported to ameliorate diet-induced obesity and dyslipidemia. However, the effects of BM on atherosclerosis have not been determined. This study investigated the effects of BM diet-induced atherosclerosis in LDL receptor-deficient mice. A total of 30 female mice (aged 6-8 wk) were fed a saturated fat-enriched diet. In group 1 (n = 10), mice were fed this diet alone, whereas mice in groups 2 and 3 (n = 10/group) were fed the diet supplemented with BM either 0.1% or 1% by weight. After 12 wk, body weight, plasma cholesterol, and atherosclerotic plaque areas were analyzed. No significant differences in body weight and plasma cholesterol concentrations were observed among the groups. Also, BM supplementation did not affect atherosclerosis development. In conclusion, dietary BM has no effect on plasma cholesterol concentration and atherogenesis in hypercholesterolemic mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shayan Mohammadmoradi
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Deborah A Howatt
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Hong S Lu
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Alan Daugherty
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Sibu P Saha
- Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| |
Collapse
|