MOMORDICA CHARANTIA (BITTER MELON) CHEWABLE LOZENGES- A HYPOTHESIS-BASED APPROACH TO THE TREATMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS

Diabetes Mellitus is a prevalent global health problem commonly known as diabetes, a metabolic disease resulting in high blood sugar levels. India considered as “Capital of Diabetes” and more than 61 million Indians suffer from diabetes. Plants are incredible natural reservoirs of phytochemicals and vital medicines. Momordica charantia (MC), commonly known as bitter melon, has high phytochemical content and is effective against diabetes mellitus. Momordica charantia is also considered as “vegetable insulin” because it contains alkaloids and peptides which resemble insulin and Charantin, which are responsible for the hypoglycaemic activity. The mechanism of action of bitter melon has been discussed and mentioned. Medicated Momordica charantia chewable lozenges are intended to dissolve or disintegrate slowly in the mouth and release the active constituent slowly because the Lozenges dosage form has good oral retention time in, increases bioavailability, and decreased gastrointestinal irritation. This dosage form can be used for both local and systemic therapy. Our hypothesis revolves around the formulation of Momordica charantia chewable lozenges for treating diabetes mellitus. Various shreds of evidence have been discussed and mentioned in the article involving pre-clinical and clinical studies on bitter melon. Several physiological, pharmacological, and biochemical studies have supported our hypothesis. Additionally, the article includes the methodology used to formulate chewable lozenges. Moreover, different marketed formulations of both bitter melon and herbal lozenges have been discussed in the article.