Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Glucose Lowering Effects of Medicinal Herbs: Emphasis on Momordica Charantia (Karela)

Diabetes mellitus is a preventable disease that poses a great challenge to the world?s health care system with significant morbidity and mortality. Pharmacotherapeutic interventions are often expensive and associated with adverse effects, hence the increasing use of alternative solutions. It is estimated that 17% to 80% of diabetic patients use Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Not only is this rarely reported to healthcare providers, but also that some CAM therapies have no empirical evidence. This book highlights some of the commonly used glucose-lowering herbs and other alternatives. The authors? research on the glucose-lowering effect of Mormodica charantia (a vegetable) is also highlighted. In addition, the authors explore the various philosophies and underlying factors behind CAM use, as well as air recommendations towards ensuring safe and appropriate CAM use.