Common names include "bitter melon " or "bitter gourd " in English. This Philippine
herbal medicine has been found to be effective in the treatment of diabetes (diabetes mellitus), hemofrhoids, coughs, burns and scalds, and being studied for anti-cancer properties.
Ampalaya Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) also known as Bitter Melon is a tropical and subtropical vine of the family Cucurbitaceae, widely grown in the Amazon,
Carribean, South east Asia such as Philippines for its edible fruit.
Ampalaya or bitter melon also known as bitter gourd as the name implies has a bitter taste due to the presence of momordicin, and is believed to be among the most bitter of all vegetables.
| Ampalaya or bitter melon also known as bitter gourd as the name implies has a bitter taste due to the presence of momordicin, and is believed to be among the most bitter of all vegetables. |
Folkloric Health Benefits of Ampalaya
Health benefits of juice extract from ampalaya fruit.
• Used to treat diabetes
• Used to treat stomach problems such as colitis, dysentery and intestinal parasites
• Used to treat spleen and liver problems
• Used to treat mild cough, heal wounds, and to treat rheumatism and gout.
Health benefits from ampalaya leaves.
• Powered leaves used as astringent to treat haemorrhoids and piles
• Sap or juice of leaves used to treat skin problems such as eczema, acne, psoriasis, leprosy and scabies
• Pounded leaves used to treat for burns and scald
• Infusion of leaves used to treat fever
• Infusion used to treat various stomach problems and to improve appetite
• Poultice of leaves used to treat headache
• Infusion of leaves used as mouthwash to treat tooth ache and other mouth problems
Health benefits from ampalaya seeds, roots and flowers.
• Decoction of seeds and roots used to treat urethral discharge
• Roots are used as an ingredient in aphrodisiac preparations
• Decoction of roots used to abort pregnancy
• Infusion from bitter melon flower is used to treat asthma
Medical uses of ampalaya - Helath Benefits
>Ampalaya for Diabetes.
>Clinical Studies for Ampalaya Bitter Melon demonstrated hypoglycemic properties (blood sugar lowering)
or other actions of potential benefit against diabetes mellitus.
The hypoglycemic chemicals found in Ampalaya Bitter Melon include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantins,
insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids.
The hypoglycemic effect is more pronounced in the fruit of bitter melon where these chemicals are in greater abundance.
The fruit has also shown the ability to enhance cells’ uptake of glucose, to promote insulin release, and potentiate the effect of insulin.
In other in vivo studies, bitter melon fruit and/or seed has been shown to reduce total cholesterol and triglycerides in both the presence
and absence of dietary cholesterol.
In one study, elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in diabetic rats were returned to normal after 10 weeks of treatment.
Ampalaya for Hemorrhoids.
>Powdered leaves and root decoction of Ampalaya are applied to hemorrhoids as astringent.
Ampalaya for Stomach Problems
>Ampalaya leaf juice is used to expel intestinal parasites, treat dysentery, diarrhea, and chronic colitis. Grounded seeds may also be used.
Taken in a spoonfull 3x a day until ailment subsides.
Ampalaya for Cough.
>Ampalaya leaf juice is used for mild coughs for children. Administered in a teaspoon 3x a day.
Ampalaya for Burns, Scalds and Wounds
>Pounded Ampalaya seeds or leaf are used to treat burns, scalds and wounds.
Amplaya Side Effects
>In large dozes, pure Ampalaya juice can be a purgative and may cause pregnancy abortion.
