Ampalaya – Scientific name: Momordica charantia L. Amargoso
English: Bitter gourd, Bitter Melon
Tagalog: Ampalaya
Ampalaya is a vegetable grown throughout the Philippines. It is mostly cultivated, although wild forms can be found. It grows wild in the remote areas of Mt. Banahaw. As the English name suggests, the melon has a bitter taste due to the presence of momordicin. There has been much research done on the effectiveness of using Momordica Charantia in the treatment of diabetes. It has been shown to increase production of beta cells by the pancreas, thereby improving the body’s ability to produce insulin. It has been recommended by the Department of Health of the Philippines, as one of the best herbal medicines for it’s ability to help with liver problems, Diabetes and HIV. It is a common herb used in Chinese herbology. In the Philippines, the leaves are often used for children’s coughs. It is also used in the treatment of skin diseases, sterility in women, as a parasiticide, as an antipyretic, and as a purgative.
| Published on March 6th, 2009 | | Posted by admin |
January 26th, 2010 at 3:51 pm
ahmmmm…..your website is very exquisite i love the background cause it really fits to your website,and aside from that we students can get plenty of information about the scientific names and about the functions of the different herbal medicines…thanks for the information you’ve given us..
January 26th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
i forgot to say that keep up the good works for the students not only students but also to all the people who are willing to learn about the herbal medicines….Godbless..
February 1st, 2010 at 7:27 pm
Liked it!!