Antidiabetic property of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) and bitter melon (Momordica charantia)

Abstract

The pharmacological treatments of diabetes are costly and therefore necessitate the mutual usage of alternate medications. Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) is a medicinal plant which has got varied beneficial applications. Even though some researchers have claimed that the polysaccharides in the leaf gel are the sole constituents and regulators for most of the metabolic activities of this plant, it appears a discouraging task to associate the distinct polysaccharides to particular healing activities. The antidiabetic and hypoglycemic properties of Aloe vera are partially mediated via its strong antioxidant effect. Aloe vera treatment is known to lower the blood glucose level through its capability of enhancing the sensitivity towards insulin. Accordingly, there is an increase in the peripheral uptake of glucose, combined with reduction in the amount of hepatic glucose produced. Momordica charantia (Bitter Melon) is also a hypoglycemic plant which is typically used by diabetic patients and healthy people as well. Ample medical examinations have been recognized in the hypoglycemic properties of Momordica charantia by means of numerous proposed pathways. There is an abundant data on the biochemical and animal model experiments envisioning the antidiabetic properties of M. charantia. Momordica charantia along with its other extracts and components is thought to possess hypoglycemic properties through diverse biological, pharmacological, as well as biochemical means, like peripheral muscular glucose utilization, checking glucose absorption in intestinal cells, gluconeogenic enzyme inactivation, activation of pentose phosphate pathway, and safeguarding the pancreatic β cells.