Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) Health Benefits

Momordica charantia, known as bitter melon, bitter gourd, bitter squash, or balsam-pear, has names in other languages which have entered English as loanwords, e.g. goya from Okinawan and karela from Sanskrit. Those from the Caribbean island of Jamaica commonly refer to the plant as cerasee.

It is a tropical and subtropical vine of the family Cucurbitaceae, widely grown in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean for its edible fruit. Its many varieties differ substantially in the shape and bitterness of the fruit.

Bitter melon originated in India and was introduced into China in the 14th century.

Protective B Factor

Measured in mg

Ayurveda & Traditional Indian

Nutrition

Minor decreased risk of Blood Sugar - Hypergl... Lymphatic system	2 studies Anti-diabetic and hypoglycaemic effects of Momordica charantia (bit... Study in 2009 -25% with High evidence in 30 minutes 200 subjects Bitter melon (Momordica charantia): a review of efficacy and safety. Study in 2003 -3% with Moderate evidence
Minor decreased risk of Metabolic Syndrome Lymphatic system	1 study Wild bitter gourd improves metabolic syndrome: a preliminary dietar... Study in 2012 -19% with Moderate evidence in 3 months 42 subjects
Minor decreased risk of Obesity Musculoskeletal system	1 study Wild bitter gourd improves metabolic syndrome: a preliminary dietar... Study in 2012 -9% with Low evidence in 3 months 42 subjects
Minor decreased risk of Insulin Resistance Lymphatic system	1 study Bitter melon (Momordica charantia): a review of efficacy and safety. Study in 2003 -2% with Moderate evidence
Minor decreased risk of Type 2 Diabetes Lymphatic system	1 study Anti-diabetic and hypoglycaemic effects of Momordica charantia (bit... Study in 2009 -1% with Low evidence in 1 week 200 subjects

Create an account to view full list of BenefitsReported side effects include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, hypoglycemia, urinary incontinence, and chest pain. Symptoms are generally mild, do not require treatment, and resolve with rest. Bitter melon is contraindicated in pregnant women because it can induce bleeding, contractions, and miscarriage