Chapter 2

Review of Related Literature and Studies

This chapter serves to provide a comprehensive understanding of the

existing research and knowledge regarding the beneficial role of Momordica
charantia in preventing diabetes among Bayambanguenios. By conducting a
literature review, we aim to establish the context for our study and highlight
the significance of exploring this topic further.

Related Literature

The literature review in this chapter present a comprehensive review of

scholarly articles, books, and other relevant sources pertaining to the beneficial
role of Momordica charantia in preventing diabetes among Bayambanguenios.
The literature review aims to identify and summarize key studies and theories
related to the research topic, as well as analyze the main findings,
methodologies, and limitations of each study.

Overview of Momordica charantia

Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter melon or bitter gourd,
is a tropical and subtropical vine that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is
widely cultivated and consumed in many parts of the world, including the
Philippines. This plant has a long history of traditional use in various
medicinal systems, including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and
traditional Filipino medicine. Momordica charantia is known for its potential
health benefits, particularly in relation to diabetes prevention and
management.

Diabetes and its Prevalence in Bayambang, Pangasinan

This section provides an overview of diabetes as a prevalent health issue
in Bayambang, Pangasinan, or the study area. It presents relevant statistics
and data on the prevalence of diabetes among the population, highlighting the
need for effective preventive measures. The section may also discuss the risk
factors associated with diabetes in the commanagemen
Role of Momordica charantia in Diabetes Prevention
This subsection focuses on the studies and theories that highlight the
beneficial role of Momordica charantia in preventing diabetes. It explores the
various active compounds present in Momordica charantia, such as charantin,
vicine, and polypeptide-p, which have been found to exhibit anti-diabetic
properties. The section may also discuss the mechanisms of action through
which Momordica charantia exerts its anti-diabetic effects, such as insulin-like
activity, modulation of glucose metabolism, and antioxidant procommanageme

Key Studies on Momordica charantia and Diabetes Prevention

In this subsection, key studies related to the topic are reviewed and
summarized. These studies may include clinical trials, animal studies, or
observational studies that have investigated the effects of Momordica charantia
on diabetes prevention or management. The section should provide a brief
description of each study, including the research design, sample size,
intervention or exposure to Momordica charantia, and the main findings. It is
important to critically analyze the methodologies and limitations of each study
to assess the quality and reliability of the evidence presented.

Limitations of Previous Research

This section discusses the limitations and gaps identified in the existing
literature. It may include limitations of the study designs, sample sizes,
duration of interventions, and potential biases that may affect the validity of
the findings. Identifying these limitations will help justify the need for the
current research and highlight areas for future studies.

Related Studies

Foreign Studies

Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter melon or bitter gourd,

is a tropical and subtropical vine that is widely cultivated for its fruit, which is
used as a vegetable in many cuisines. It has been traditionally used in various
parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, and South America, for its medicinal
properties.
Several studies have suggested that Momordica charantia may have a
beneficial role in preventing and managing diabetes. It contains several
bioactive compounds, including charantin, vicine, and polypeptide-p, which are
believed to have hypoglycemic (blood sugar-lowering) effects.
Research has shown that Momordica charantia may help improve insulin
secretion and reduce insulin resistance, thereby contributing to better blood
glucose control. It may also have antioxidant properties and help protect
against oxidative stress, which is often elevated in individuals with diabetes.
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2018
investigated the effects of bitter melon extract on diabetic mice. The results
indicated that the extract significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels and
improved glucose tolerance compared to the control group.
Another study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in 2019
examined the effects of Momordica charantia supplementation in individuals
with prediabetes. The findings showed that the supplementation led to a
significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels and improved insulin
sensitivity.
While these studies suggest potential benefits of Momordica charantia in
preventing and managing diabetes, it’s important to note that further research
is still needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and its
effectiveness in humans.
In conclusion, Momordica charantia (bitter melon) shows promise as a
natural remedy for diabetes prevention and management. However, it’s always
advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before making any
significant changes to your diet or treatment plan.

Local Studies

A study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and

Alternative Medicine in 2018 investigated the effects of bitter melon extract on
glycemic control in Filipino patients with type 2 diabetes. The study found that
bitter melon significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels and improved
overall glycemic control.
 Another study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in 2011
examined the hypoglycemic effects of bitter melon in patients with type 2
diabetes. The study reported that bitter melon significantly reduced fasting
blood glucose levels and improved glucose tolerance.
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2011
investigated the antidiabetic properties of bitter melon in streptozotocin-
induced diabetic rats. The results showed that bitter melon extract significantly
reduced blood glucose levels and improved insulin sensitivity.
While these studies suggest potential benefits of bitter melon in diabetes
management, it’s important to note that further research is needed to establish
its efficacy and determine appropriate dosages. It’s always advisable to consult
with a healthcare professional before incorporating bitter melon or any other
supplement into your diabetes management plan.
To find more recent studies on Momordica charantia and its effects on
diabetes, you can search local research databases such as the Philippine
Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) or consult medical
journals and publications relevant to the field of diabetes research in the
Philippines.

Synthesis of Reviewed Studies and Present Study

The theoretical framework for studying the beneficial role of Momordica

charantia in preventing diabetes among Bayambanguenios can be guided by
multiple theories and concepts related to diabetes prevention, traditional
medicine, and the pharmacological properties of Momordica charantia. Two
relevant frameworks that can be considered are:

Social Ecological Model:

The Social Ecological Model (SEM) provides a comprehensive framework
for understanding health behaviors and outcomes within the context of
multiple interacting levels of influence. This model recognizes that individual
behaviors are influenced by various factors at the intrapersonal, interpersonal,
community, and societal levels.
In the context of studying the beneficial role of Momordica charantia in
preventing diabetes, the SEM can help analyze the interplay of individual
behaviors, social norms, cultural beliefs, community practices, and policy
factors that influence the utilization and acceptance of bitter melon as a
preventive measure for diabetes within the Bayambanguenio community.

Health Belief Model:

The Health Belief Model (HBM) is a psychological framework that
explains and predicts health-related behaviors based on individual beliefs,
perceptions, and attitudes. The HBM posits that individuals are more likely to
engage in health-promoting behaviors if they perceive a threat to their health
and believe that the recommended action is effective and will lead to desirable
outcomes.

Applying the Health Belief Model to the study of Momordica charantia in

diabetes prevention, researchers can explore Bayambanguenios’ perceptions of
their susceptibility to diabetes, the perceived severity of the disease, the
perceived benefits and barriers of using bitter melon, and their self-efficacy in
incorporating bitter melon into their diabetes prevention strategies.

The selection of these theoretical frameworks aligns with the research

objectives of understanding the factors influencing the utilization and
acceptance of Momordica charantia in preventing diabetes among
Bayambanguenios. These frameworks provide a systematic way to analyze the
individual, social, and cultural factors that contribute to the adoption of bitter
melon as a preventive measure for diabetes within the Bayambanguenio
community. By incorporating these frameworks, the research can gain insights
into the complex interplay of factors that influence health behaviors and inform
targeted interventions to promote the utilization of Momordica charantia for
diabetes prevention.