Bitter Melon Supports Brain Health

Momordica charantia, also known as bitter melon, was recently studied for potential neuroprotective properties. Bitter melon has been used traditionally to support healthy blood sugar levels.

In this new study, the effect of Momordica on blood sugar and brain health was investigated in mice. Some of the mice in the study were supplemented with Momordica juice at dosages ranging from 200 to 800 mg per kg of body weight. The carotid arteries, which are the main blood supply to the brain, were occluded in the mice for 10 minutes to induce ischemia, or decreased blood flow to the brain. The blood flow in the arteries was then restored for 24 hours, which is known as reperfusion. During reperfusion, free radicals are generated as the blood flow is returning to previously oxygen-starved ischemic tissue. After reperfusion, the mice were evaluated for blood levels of thiobarbituric acid (TBA) reactive substances, which are a correlative measurement of oxidative stress; the mice were also evaluated for their motor functions and short-term memory.

The results of the study showed that the mice pre-treated with Momordica juice had reduced oxidative stress in the blood from their brains and better performance on neurological measurements compared to the mice that did not receive the Momordica juice. Additionally, the data indicated that there was a dose-dependent response, which means as the dose of Momordica juice increased, the oxidative stress decreased and neurological function increased proportionately. Momordica juice administration also showed blood sugar balancing effects.

The researchers stated, “These results suggest that M. charantia has potent neuroprotective activity against global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion induced neuronal injury and consequent neurological deficits in diabetic mice.”

Reference:

Malik ZA, Singh M, Sharma PL. Neuroprotective effect of Momordica charantia in global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion induced neuronal damage in diabetic mice. Ethnopharmacol. 2010 Nov 5. Published Online Ahead of Print.