UP Manila introduces 'promising' ampalaya medicine tablets for managing Type 2 Diabetes

The University of the Philippines Manila has unveiled a new medical innovation that acts as treatment for type 2 diabetes.

According to a statement on Tuesday, the Institute of Herbal Medicine (IHM) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) were able to create a medicine tablet developed from ampalaya.

“Diabetes, particularly non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (nIDDM), 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,” said IHM research assistant professor Daisy-Mae Bagaoisan.

“The rising prevalence of diabetes, exacerbated by factors such as obesity and lifestyle changes, underscores the need for effective and accessible treatments. Bitter may indeed be better when it comes to managing diabetes,” she added.

Focusing on ampalaya powdered leaves, Bagaoisan and team found it had significant potential in lowering blood sugar levels similar to existing drugs.

After rigorous clinical testing and trials, the ampalaya tablet was found "to effectively reduce fasting plasma glucose by the third week of treatment and decrease glycosylated hemoglobin after 12 weeks.”

The ampalaya tablet will be classified as herbal medicine and will be treated as a “superior, scientifically validated option” for managing Type 2 Diabetes.

According to the statement, the amplaya tablet was formulated with WHO guidelines. It was also found to keep "stable at room temperature for at least one and a half years,” Prof. Bagaoisan added.

The tablet has been registered as herbal medicine — not just a supplement — with the Philippine FDA. 

— Jiselle Anne Casucian/LA, GMA Integrated News