Last updated July 18, 2026
Key finding
Blood glucose decreased by 46–65 mg/dL per application.
This study evaluated the hypoglycemic effects of topical Citrullus colocynthis fruit extract in individuals with type 2 diabetes, showing significant blood glucose reduction without adverse effects.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Short-Term (≤3 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
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Study focus
This study evaluated the hypoglycemic effects of topical Citrullus colocynthis fruit extract in individuals with type 2 diabetes, showing significant blood glucose reduction without adverse effects.
The findings suggest that topical Citrullus colocynthis extract could be a promising adjunct treatment for managing blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Given the rising prevalence of diabetes and the need for effective management strategies, this natural extract may offer a safe alternative to traditional treatments, potentially improving patient adherence and outcomes.
The study design was non-randomized, limiting causal inference. Sample size and demographic details were not specified. Effectiveness was classified as unclear due to limited evidence.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Mahir EA, Farhang HA, Mohammed NS, Aryan MF, Syamand AQ, Tablo HS. The hypoglycemic efficacy of topical Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple) fruit extract in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolism Open. 2025;28:100401. doi:10.1016/j.metop.2025.100401
Blood glucose decreased by 46–65 mg/dL per application.
Average blood glucose levels dropped from 157 mg/dL to 99.67 mg/dL.
No adverse effects or skin toxicity were reported.
Evidence network
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This study contributes evidence to Topical Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple) fruit extract and Blood glucose, Skin toxicity or adverse complaints.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Topical Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple) fruit extract
Primary outcomes
Evidence topics
Primary intervention
Primary outcomes
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
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1
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2
Evidence pairs
245
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Primary evidence
Evidence topic
matched_outcome
Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Topical Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple) fruit extract → Blood glucose
Topical Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple) fruit extract → Blood glucose
Topical Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple) fruit extract → Skin toxicity or adverse complaints
Topical Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple) fruit extract → Skin toxicity or adverse complaints
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Topical Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple) fruit extract and Fasting Glucose, Topical Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple) fruit extract and Skin toxicity or adverse complaints.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Supplements
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies measuring Fasting Glucose
Measures Fasting Glucose as a key outcome.
All studies measuring Skin toxicity or adverse complaints
Measures Skin toxicity or adverse complaints as a key outcome.
All studies on Topical Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple) fruit extract
Contributes to Topical Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple) fruit extract evidence base.
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Published within the last 2 years.
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1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Topical Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple) fruit extract appears to improve Blood glucose.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Blood glucose
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Topical Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple) fruit extract for Skin toxicity or adverse complaints.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Skin toxicity or adverse complaints
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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