Combined Bitter Melon Extract and Snakehead Fish Powder Supplementation for Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia caused by impaired insulin sensitivity and progressive β-cell dysfunction. Long-standing hyperglycemia contributes to vascular inflammation, oxidative stress, and the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), leading to complications that affect multiple organ systems including the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and cardiovascular system. The prevalence of T2DM continues to rise globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, resulting in a significant public health burden. Although conventional antidiabetic medications such as metformin, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, and insulin effectively control blood glucose levels, long-term use may be associated with adverse effects including gastrointestinal disturbances, hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis, lipodystrophy, and contraindications in patients with hepatic or renal impairment. This situation highlights the need for safer, well-tolerated complementary approaches derived from natural products.

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) has been traditionally used as a hypoglycemic agent and has demonstrated antidiabetic properties through multiple mechanisms, including reduction of glucagon secretion, inhibition of intestinal glucose absorption, enhancement of insulin release, and increased peripheral glucose uptake. Meanwhile, snakehead fish (Channa striata) is known to contain high levels of albumin, essential amino acids, and bioactive peptides that support tissue repair, modulate inflammation, and may contribute to improved pancreatic function. Preclinical studies and preliminary clinical observations suggest that these two natural ingredients possess synergistic potential in improving glycemic control, yet their combined effect has not been adequately evaluated in controlled human trials.

This study is designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the efficacy of a daily 500-mg supplementation of combined bitter melon extract and snakehead fish powder in improving glycemic status among adults with T2DM. A total of 90 eligible participants aged 20-65 years will be recruited from several community health centers in Surakarta, Indonesia. Participants will be randomized into intervention and placebo groups, while maintaining their standard antidiabetic therapy (metformin monotherapy). The intervention involves consuming one standardized capsule per day for four weeks. Bitter melon extract is prepared through ethanol maceration and evaporation, whereas snakehead fish powder is produced by steaming, drying, pulverizing, and sieving. Standardized nutrient and phytochemical analyses are conducted to ensure batch consistency and quality.

Glycemic control will be assessed primarily through measurements of glycated albumin (GA), which offers greater sensitivity to short-term glycemic fluctuations compared to HbA1c, and is particularly relevant for patients with variable glucose levels. Fasting plasma glucose will also be evaluated as a secondary outcome. Blood samples will be collected at baseline and at the end of week four. Statistical analyses will include paired t-tests for intragroup comparisons and independent t-tests for between-group comparisons, with significance set at p < 0.05.

This study is expected to generate scientific evidence on the efficacy and safety of the combined bitter melon-snakehead fish supplement as a complementary therapy for T2DM. The findings may contribute to the development of herbal-based antidiabetic products, support future patent applications, and provide a foundation for larger clinical trials aimed at improving accessible and culturally relevant diabetes management strategies.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DMT2).
• Fasting plasma glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL and ≤ 200 mg/dL or random blood glucose between 200-300 mg/dL.
• Age 20-65 years
• Duration of diabetes 0-15 years.
• Currently using one class of oral antidiabetic medication (biguanide: metformin).
• Willing to participate and sign written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnant or breastfeeding; or having impaired kidney or liver function (serum creatinine > 1.5 mg/dL; SGOT/SGPT > 2× upper limit).
• Allergy to snakehead fish powder (Channa striata) or bitter melon extract (Momordica charantia).
• Using antidiabetic medications other than metformin, or unable/unwilling to comply with study procedures.