The efficacy and role of bitter melon peptides: Who is it suitable for? What are the side effects?
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Bitter Melon (Momordica Charantia), a Nutraceutical Approach for Cancer Prevention and Therapy |
1
Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
2
Cancer Center, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Cancers 2020, 12(8), 2064; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers12082064
Submission received: 27 June 2020 / Revised: 16 July 2020 / Accepted: 22 July 2020 / Published: 27 July 2020
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention)
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Many dietary plant products show promising anticancer effects. Bitter melon or bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) is a nutrient-rich medicinal plant cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of many countries. Traditionally, bitter melon is used as a folk medicine and contains many bioactive components including triterpenoids, triterpene glycoside, phenolic acids, flavonoids, lectins, sterols and proteins that show potential anticancer activity without significant side effects. The preventive and therapeutic effects of crude extract or isolated components are studied in cell line-based models and animal models of multiple types of cancer. In the present review, we summarize recent progress in testing the cancer preventive and therapeutic activity of bitter melon with a focus on underlying molecular mechanisms. The crude extract and its components prevent many types of cancers by enhancing reactive oxygen species generation; inhibiting cancer cell cycle, cell signaling, cancer stem cells, glucose and lipid metabolism, invasion, metastasis, hypoxia, and angiogenesis; inducing apoptosis and autophagy cell death, and enhancing the immune defense. Thus, bitter melon may serve as a promising cancer preventive and therapeutic agent.
As modern people eat out more frequently, refined eating has become the norm, resulting in insufficient intake of basic food, making the metabolism in the body prone to imbalance, and red letters are often seen in health examinations. In order to maintain normal physiological functions, bitter melon peptide, a health food, has received considerable attention in recent years. So, what exactly are bitter melon peptides? Can eating bitter melon alone achieve the same effect? Are there any side effects?
"Peptides" are small protein molecules composed of two or more amino acids. These molecules are smaller than ordinary proteins and are easier to be absorbed and utilized by the body. "Bitter Melon Peptide" is a small molecule protein extracted from bitter melon. After decades of research, it has been found that the "Patented Sequencing 19 Peptide" has specific segments that are superior to other segments, and special extraction technology is used to retain them. active.
Bitter melon peptides have significant benefits in promoting metabolism and regulating physiological functions. Bitter melon has high nutritional value, 90% is water, and is also rich in vitamin C, potassium, calcium, magnesium and other nutrients. Recent studies have shown that bitter melon peptides obtained through patented extraction technology are of extremely high value in promoting metabolism, regulating physiological functions and adjusting body constitution.
Health products whose main ingredient is "bitter melon peptide" often add trace elements such as chromium to enhance their effects. Their effects include:
1. **Promote normal carbohydrate metabolism**: Chromium helps maintain the balance of carbohydrate metabolism.
2. **Accelerate metabolism**: Helps maintain health.
3. **Regulate physiological functions**: Helps maintain a healthy body.
4. **Nutritional supplementation, physical adjustment**: Improve nutritional status.
#Can I eat bitter melon to absorb bitter melon peptides?
Many people will ask: "Can I eat bitter melon or drink bitter melon juice to get the bitter melon peptides?" The answer is, it is basically difficult to achieve.
Because of the huge difference in concentration, it takes 320 kilograms of bitter melon to extract 1 kilogram of patented bitter melon peptide. Therefore, it is not practical to achieve the same effect by consuming large amounts of bitter melon, and it will cause discomfort and be harmful to the body. Therefore, supplementing bitter melon peptide is a more effective choice.
But bitter melon itself is a high-fiber vegetable and fruit, and eating it in moderation is good for the body. To achieve the effect of adjusting your body constitution, it is recommended to choose the patented extracted bitter melon peptide.
Who is #Bitter Melon Peptide suitable for?
1. **Eaters and people who don’t like to exercise**: groups who have no exercise habits.
2. **Those with busy work and abnormal eating habits**: need to cope with meals and social activities.
3. **Those who need to regulate physiological functions**: People who seek to maintain health.
#How to choose bitter melon peptide?
The following five principles can be followed when selecting:
1. **Patented Molecule**: Choose products containing "Patented Sequencing 19 Peptide".
2. **Extraction method**: Choose products extracted with low-temperature water to maintain the activity of the ingredients.
3. **Sufficient content**: Effective dose of 300mg of patented sequenced bitter melon peptides per day.
4. **Compound ingredients**: Choose products with added ingredients such as chromium, Antrodia camphorata, mulberry leaf extract, and zinc.
5. **Inspection Report**: Choose products with third-party inspection reports, patent certification, and qualified heavy metal testing.
#side effects and taboos of bitter melon peptide
Bitter melon peptides are extracted from bitter melon. According to the current technology, they are highly safe. If used according to the recommended dosage, there will generally be no side effects. Pay attention to the following three groups of people, and it is recommended to consult a professional medical practitioner before taking it.
1. **Developing adolescents**: Prioritize the intake of high-fiber foods without additional supplements.
2. **Pregnant/lactating women**: Additional supplementation is not recommended during pregnancy, and medical personnel need to be consulted.
3. **Those who are receiving medication**: Please consult the responsible physician to see if it is suitable.
We hope that the above information can help you better understand and choose bitter melon peptides, so that your health can be more protected.
More instructions:
Bittermelon
Recommended product URL:
Bittermelon store
Bittermelon
Recommended product URL:
Bittermelon store
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MDPI and ACS Style
Sur, S.; Ray, R.B. Bitter Melon (Momordica Charantia), a Nutraceutical Approach for Cancer Prevention and Therapy. Cancers 2020, 12, 2064. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers12082064
AMA Style
Sur S, Ray RB. Bitter Melon (Momordica Charantia), a Nutraceutical Approach for Cancer Prevention and Therapy. Cancers. 2020; 12(8):2064. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers12082064
Chicago/Turabian Style
Sur, Subhayan, and Ratna B. Ray. 2020. "Bitter Melon (Momordica Charantia), a Nutraceutical Approach for Cancer Prevention and Therapy" Cancers 12, no. 8: 2064. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers12082064
APA Style
Sur, S., & Ray, R. B. (2020). Bitter Melon (Momordica Charantia), a Nutraceutical Approach for Cancer Prevention and Therapy. Cancers, 12(8), 2064. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers12082064
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