Special Features (as of 2:40 AM)

Ampalaya back as medicine for diabetes

The Philippine Star

Here’s the bitter truth.

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a circular reinstating ampalaya (scientific name
momordica charantia, L.) or bitter gourd as a scientifically validated herbal medicinal plant that can
fight diabetes.

In a circular, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said the reclassification was instituted in the light of
recent evidence on the clinical efficacy of ampalaya against diabetes.

Duque said that because of this development, ampalaya is now included in the list of Sampung
Halamang Gamot (Ten Medicinal Plants) recognized and promoted by the DOH.

Aside from ampalaya, the list also includes lagundi (for fever, asthma, headache, toothache, cough
and as wound wash and aromatic bath), sambong (for gaseous distention, fever, headache, abscess
and as diuretic and aromatic bath), akapulco (as wound wash and for itch), yerba buena (for cough,
toothache, headache, dizziness, fainting, hysteria, gaseous distention, arthritis and as mouthwash).

Studies showed that ampalaya fruits, leaves, seeds and other parts, when used as dry powders,
extracts, decoctions, fresh or cooled, have hypoglycemic effects.

Ampalaya was found containing polypeptide-P, a plant insulin that can lower elevated blood sugar
level.

In 2003, various processed ampalaya products flooded the Philippine market causing doubt about its
efficacy. Because of this, the DOH had to re-categorize it from being a herbal medicinal plant to a
supplement.

In a statement, the Chamber of Herbal Industries of the Philippines Inc., (CHIPI) commended the
validation of the ampalaya in the light of a global trend towards natural and herbal therapies.

CHIPI is an organization of companies that produce ampalaya products duly approved by the Bureau
of Food and Drugs.

The Philippines has one of the world’s richest herbal medicinal resources and ampalaya can be the
star herb for the Philippines, much like ginseng is to Korea, CHIPI said.

The group added that ampalaya’s global acceptance can spur further research and investment in
other herbal resources, which may ultimately help the economy and provide livelihood for many
Filipinos. Sheila Crisostomo