Bitter melon may slow down breast cancer--study

“Breast cancer is a major killer among women around the world, and in that perspective, results from this study are quite significant," said Rajesh Agarwal, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Colorado, Denver School of Pharmacy and the associate editor of this study.

"This study may provide us with one more agent as an extract that could be used against breast cancer if additional studies hold true," Agarwal added.

Lab experiment
For the study, a research team from the Saint Louis University treated the breast cancer human cells with the extract of bitter melon in lab.

They found that the extract significantly decreased cancer cell growth and division, and also induced death in breast cancer cells.

If the findings are confirmed in further trials, the fruit extract might become a potential chemo-preventive agent against breast cancer, they said.

"Our findings suggest that bitter melon extract modulates several signal transduction pathways, which induces breast cancer cell death," said lead researcher Ratna B. Ray, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Pathology at Saint Louis University. "This extract can be utilized as a dietary supplement for the prevention of breast cancer."

More research required
To further understand the molecular targets of the bitter melon extract on cancer cells, experts have suggested the need for more research.

They said it is important to replicate the findings in animal trials before recommending it as an anti-cancer agent.

Marji McCullough, strategic director of nutritional epidemiology at the American Cancer Society said, "The results of this laboratory study are intriguing. But before recommending bitter melon extract supplements for cancer prevention, we need appropriate clinical trials to establish its safety and efficacy in humans."

The study has been published in Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Bitter melon and health benefits
Bitter melon, found in India, China, and South America, is commonly used as a remedy for diabetes owing to its blood-sugar lowering capabilities.

The fruit is known to have medicinal properties for several ailments such as blood disorders, cholera, diabetes, eye problems, respiratory disorders, piles etc.

One should not consume more than two melons a day, as excessive consumption may cause mild abdominal pain and diarrhea.