The University of the Philippines Manila's (UP Manila) Institute of Herbal Medicine (IHM) has made a groundbreaking advancement in treating type 2 diabetes with the introduction of an innovative ampalaya (bitter gourd) tablet.
UP Manila-IHM research assistant and pharmacist Prof. Daisy-Mae A. Bagaoisan said diabetes is becoming a significant global challenge and that the ampalaya tablet could offer a promising natural complement to existing treatment options.
Known scientifically as Momordica charantia, ampalaya is packed with over 220 bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, glycosides, and triterpenoids such as momordicins I and IV.
“Diabetes, particularly non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, is a growing concern worldwide, especially in low and middle-income countries like the Philippines. Our research on the ampalaya tablet offers a natural alternative that could complement current treatments for managing this condition,” Bagaoisan said in an article on UP Manila’s website.
The IHM researchers focused on ampalaya powdered leaves, which showed significant potential for lowering blood sugar levels.
“The tablet has undergone rigorous clinical trials (phases 1 to 3) and has been found to effectively reduce fasting plasma glucose by the third week of treatment and decrease glycosylated hemoglobin after 12 weeks,” Bagaoisan explained.
“Bitter may indeed be better when it comes to managing diabetes,” she added.
Benefits
The researchers, composed of experts from various fields, pointed out that the ampalaya tablet stands out from other products because it is classified as an herbal medicine instead of just an herbal supplement.
They further explained that herbal medicines are subject to strict safety and efficacy evaluations and are overseen by regulatory bodies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Unlike herbal supplements, which frequently lack therapeutic claims, the ampalaya tablet has been through comprehensive clinical trials, confirming its beneficial effects on blood sugar levels.
“It has been formulated according to WHO (World Health Organization) guidelines and is stable at room temperature for at least one and a half years. Moreover, it is very safe, making it a viable option for those seeking an herbal remedy with no known side effects,” Bagaoisan said.
The clinical studies by the UP Manila team have facilitated the tablet’s registration as an herbal medicine with the Philippine FDA.
Completed in 2006, the transfer technology document has brought this innovation closer to public availability.
Collaborative effort
UP Manila-IHM said the extensive collaboration of pharmacists, doctors, researchers, and specialists was integral in developing plant-based therapies for chronic diseases, with the ampalaya tablet emerging as a key tool in the fight against type 2 diabetes.
Led by the late Cecilia Zamora, the pharmacognosy team included significant contributions from the late Ernesta G. Quintana in agriculture.
The pre-clinical studies team comprised Dr. Romeo F. Quijano, Maria Joanna I. Mendoza, Daisy-Mae O. Bagaoisan, Pacifico Magturo Jr., Jo-Ann Sur Magturo (deceased), Federico C. Ripalda, and Bernardo Sagun, guided by Dr. Isidro C. Sia and Dr. Horacio R. Estrada (deceased).
Other contributors included Cynthia S. Moran, Lina P. Ramirez, and Fernando E. Melgar.
The pharmaceutical studies team was led by the late Natividad F. De Castro, PhD, and Prof. Emeritus Leticia-Barbara B. Gutierrez, with members Rodrigo C. Curaming, Adelina T. Boncodin, Ella Gisela P. Gregorio, Ma. Luisa F. Baquiran, Mary Joy F. Cayetano, Jacqueline L. Poblete, Marissa P. De Gracia, Lorna V. Lopez, Marita P. Siscar, Marissa A. Laurino, Aurora C. Minoza II, Iris Ma. M. Palermo, Haydee R. Boton, Fernando M. Marquez, Joceline B. Perez, Aldrin Gregory J. Sacramento, Melody G. Martinez, Abigail M.T. Lorenzo, Arthur P. Bautista, Ricardo V. Obusan, Maria Paula C. Oliva, Anne San M. Buenaventura, Jimmy S. Pajarillo, Ruth Karen O. Cielo, and Maria Cristina G. Sison.
The clinical studies phase was overseen by Prof. Emeritus Dr. Nelia P. Cortes-Maramba and Dr. Jaime M. Purificacion, supported by Dr. Ma. Cristina Ruiz, Dr. Anita Rebosura, Dr. Dina E. Leon, Dr. Herbert Ho, Elicia C. Ibañez, the late Eufrocena M. Montalbo, and Lourdes B. Bagnaes.