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Ivy Gourd Aerial Parts Extract

Also known as: Ivy Gourd, Coccinia indica, Coccinia cordifolia, Coccinia grandis

Overview

*Coccinia grandis*, a perennial climber from the Cucurbitaceae family, is predominantly found in tropical regions of Asia, notably India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Pakistan. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, its aerial parts are recognized for therapeutic benefits, particularly in managing diabetes mellitus. Researchers have highlighted its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, positioning the plant as a potential adjunct therapy for glycemic control. The extract contains bioactive phytochemicals such as triterpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and glycosides, which contribute to its health benefits. Evidence from clinical and preclinical studies indicates its effectiveness in reducing fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels, making it a promising candidate for dietary supplementation in diabetic populations. Although the research is moderately mature, further studies are needed to elucidate its full range of effects on lipid profiles.

Benefits

Research presents several advantages of *Coccinia grandis*, especially for individuals with type 2 diabetes. A randomized controlled trial indicated that it effectively lowers both fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels compared to placebo. Furthermore, certain studies suggest trends toward improved lipid profiles, including reductions in triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, though these findings are not uniformly replicated. The antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects also play a significant role in its therapeutic profile. Regular supplementation may yield observable benefits within weeks to months, proving its utility as an adjunctive therapy in diabetes management, particularly for those struggling with hyperglycemia.

How it works

*Coccinia grandis* operates through multiple biological pathways. It inhibits glucose-6-phosphatase activity, which plays a crucial role in hepatic glucose formation, and enhances hepatic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity, promoting insulin sensitivity and beta cell regeneration. Additionally, its bioactive compounds interact favorably with the endocrine system, aiding in glucose metabolism and insulin regulation, thus influencing overall glucose levels and lipid profiles while reducing oxidative stress.

Side effects

Generally, extracts of *Coccinia grandis* are well tolerated, showcasing a favorable safety profile based on current data. Clinical trials reveal no significant adverse events, suggesting low incidence of side effects. There is a notable absence of documented rare or uncommon side effects, which may be attributed to limited human studies on long-term use. Caution is warranted for individuals on antidiabetic medications due to the potential for enhanced glucose-lowering effects. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should exercise caution due to insufficient safety data in these demographics, and patients with allergies to Cucurbitaceae plants or severe kidney and liver issues are advised to avoid this supplement as a precautionary measure.

Dosage

While a minimum effective dose for *Coccinia grandis* is not definitively established, clinical trials have suggested dosages ranging from 500 mg to 2000 mg of the dried extract per day are effective and generally safe. It is recommended to take the extract with meals to enhance absorption. Although the optimal dosage is still under investigation, higher doses have not shown significant adverse effects. For best results, alcoholic and aqueous-methanol extracts are recommended for improved bioavailability of active compounds.