Hypoglycemic efficacy and safety of Momordica charantia (bitter melon) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus 

In 2020 another randomized, placebo-controlled study assessed the anti-diabetic and hypo-lipidemic effects of bitter melon in 96 patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients were assigned to receive either bitter melon extract (twice a day, total 2380 mg daily n=66) or the control group (placebo capsules, n=30) for 12 weeks. Outcomes measured were mean change in HbA1c with secondary outcomes the mean changes in fasting glucose and lipid profiles. Authors found that supplementation did not significantly alter HbA1c levels over the 12-week period.  However, fasting glucose levels and the insulin resistance index were lowered suggesting it may have additive effects when taken with other glucose-lowering agents.   

References:

Fuangchan A, Sonthisombat P, Seubnukarn T, Chanouan R, Chotchaisuwat P, Sirigulsatien V, Ingkaninan K, Plianbangchang P, Haines ST. Hypoglycemic effect of bitter melon compared with metformin in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Mar 24;134(2):422-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2010.12.045. Epub 2011 Jan 4. PMID: 21211558. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21211558/