Effect of Momordica charantia (Karolla) extracts on fasting and postprandial serum glucose levels in NIDDM patients.

Effect of Momordica charantia, a bitter vegetable popularly known as Karolla, on fasting and post prandial (2 hours after 75 gm oral glucose intake) serum glucose levels were studied in 100 cases of moderate non-insulin dependent diabetic subjects. Drinking of the aqueous homogenized suspension of the vegetable pulp led to significant reduction (p < 0.001) of both fasting and post-prandial serum glucose levels. This hypoglycaemic action was observed in 86 (86%) cases. Five cases (5%) showed lowering of fasting serum glucose only.