NEW DELHI: Insulin which is given to diabetics through injections will soon be available in the form of tablets to be taken orally according to Bio chemist Dr. Pushpa Khanna and who was the first to extract insulin like substance from bitter gourd (Momordica Charantia) known locally as ‘Karela’
Karela which is used by Indian housewives in vegetable preparation is mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic literature for its blood sugar lowering effect. Prof. Khanna who recently retired from the University of Rajasthan in Jaipur isolated an active principle from Karela 10 years ago and called it polypeptide-P.
It contains 17 amine acids including methionine which is not present in animal or human insulin.
Prof. Khanna said the plant insulin from Karela had been tested on several patients.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 2, 1991
