Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions

Aguwa, C. N. and Mittal, G. C. Abortifacient effects of the roots of Momordica angustisepala. J Ethnopharmacol. 1983;7(2):169-173. View abstract.

Akhtar, M. S. Trial of Momordica charantia Linn (Karela) powder in patients with maturity-onset diabetes. J Pak.Med Assoc 1982;32(4):106-107. View abstract.

Ansari, N. M., Houlihan, L., Hussain, B., and Pieroni, A. Antioxidant activity of five vegetables traditionally consumed by South-Asian migrants in Bradford, Yorkshire, UK. Phytother Res 2005;19(10):907-911. View abstract.

Baldwa VS, Bhandara CM, Pangaria A, and et al. Clinical trials in patients with diabetes mellitus of an insulin-like compound obtained from plant source. Upsala J Med Sci 1977;82:39-41.

Chan, W. Y., Tam, P. P., and Yeung, H. W. The termination of early pregnancy in the mouse by beta-momorcharin. Contraception 1984;29(1):91-100. View abstract.

Chen, Q., Chan, L. L., and Li, E. T. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) reduces adiposity, lowers serum insulin and normalizes glucose tolerance in rats fed a high fat diet. J Nutr. 2003;133(4):1088-1093. View abstract.

Das, P., Sinhababu, S. P., and Dam, T. Screening of antihelminthic effects of Indian plant extracts: a preliminary report. J Altern Complement Med 2006;12(3):299-301. View abstract.

Dixit, V. P., Khanna, P., and Bhargava, S. K. Effects of Momordica charantia L. fruit extract on the testicular function of dog. Planta Med 1978;34(3):280-286. View abstract.

Dutta PK, Chakravarty AK, CHowdhury US, and Pakrashi SC. Vicine, a favism-inducing toxin from Momordica charantia Linn. seeds. Indian J Chem 1981;20B(August):669-671.

Hulin et al. Intoxication aigue pour Momordica charantica (Sorrossi). A proposdeux cas. Semaine Hospitaux 1988;64:2847-2848.

Khanna, P., Jain, S. C., Panagariya, A., and Dixit, V. P. Hypoglycemic activity of polypeptide-p from a plant source. J Nat.Prod. 1981;44(6):648-655. View abstract.

Kohno, H., Yasui, Y., Suzuki, R., Hosokawa, M., Miyashita, K., and Tanaka, T. Dietary seed oil rich in conjugated linolenic acid from bitter melon inhibits azoxymethane-induced rat colon carcinogenesis through elevation of colonic PPARgamma expression and alteration of lipid composition. Int J Cancer 7-20-2004;110(6):896-901. View abstract.

Krawinkel, M. B. and Keding, G. B. Bitter gourd (Momordica Charantia): A dietary approach to hyperglycemia. Nutr Rev 2006;64(7 Pt 1):331-337. View abstract.

Lee-Huang, S., Huang, P. L., Sun, Y., Chen, H. C., Kung, H. F., Huang, P. L., and Murphy, W. J. Inhibition of MDA-MB-231 human breast tumor xenografts and HER2 expression by anti-tumor agents GAP31 and MAP30. Anticancer Res 2000;20(2A):653-659. View abstract.

Liu, H. L., Wan, X., Huang, X. F., and Kong, L. Y. Biotransformation of sinapic acid catalyzed by Momordica charantia peroxidase. J Agric Food Chem 2-7-2007;55(3):1003-1008. View abstract.

Marles R and Farnsworth N. Antidiabetic Plants and Their Active Constituents: An update. Phytomedicine 1997;2(2):137-189.

Miura, T., Itoh, C., Iwamoto, N., Kato, M., Kawai, M., Park, S. R., and Suzuki, I. Hypoglycemic activity of the fruit of the Momordica charantia in type 2 diabetic mice. J Nutr.Sci.Vitaminol.(Tokyo) 2001;47(5):340-344. View abstract.

Nerurkar, P. V., Lee, Y. K., Linden, E. H., Lim, S., Pearson, L., Frank, J., and Nerurkar, V. R. Lipid lowering effects of Momordica charantia (Bitter Melon) in HIV-1-protease inhibitor-treated human hepatoma cells, HepG2. Br J Pharmacol 2006;148(8):1156-1164. View abstract.

Nerurkar, P. V., Pearson, L., Efird, J. T., Adeli, K., Theriault, A. G., and Nerurkar, V. R. Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein gene expression and ApoB secretion are inhibited by bitter melon in HepG2 cells. J Nutr 2005;135(4):702-706. View abstract.

Ng, T. B., Wong, C. M., Li, W. W., and Yeung, H. W. Insulin-like molecules in Momordica charantia seeds. J Ethnopharmacol. 1986;15(1):107-117. View abstract.

Ng, T. B., Wong, C. M., Li, W. W., and Yeung, H. W. Isolation and characterization of a galactose binding lectin with insulinomimetic activities. From the seeds of the bitter gourd Momordica charantia (Family Cucurbitaceae). Int J Peptide Protein Res 1986;28(2):163-172. View abstract.

Pongnikorn, S., Fongmoon, D., Kasinrerk, W., and Limtrakul, P. N. Effect of bitter melon (Momordica charantia Linn) on level and function of natural killer cells in cervical cancer patients with radiotherapy. J Med Assoc Thai. 2003;86(1):61-68. View abstract.

Raman A and Lau C. Anti-diabetic properties and phytochemistry of Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae). Phytomedicine 1996;2(4):349-362.

Rathi, S. S., Grover, J. K., and Vats, V. The effect of Momordica charantia and Mucuna pruriens in experimental diabetes and their effect on key metabolic enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Phytother.Res 2002;16(3):236-243. View abstract.

Rebultan, S. P. Bitter melon therapy: an experimental treatment of HIV infection. AIDS Asia 1995;2(4):6-7. View abstract.

Senanayake, G. V., Maruyama, M., Sakono, M., Fukuda, N., Morishita, T., Yukizaki, C., Kawano, M., and Ohta, H. The effects of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) extracts on serum and liver lipid parameters in hamsters fed cholesterol-free and cholesterol-enriched diets. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol.(Tokyo) 2004;50(4):253-257. View abstract.

Senanayake, G. V., Maruyama, M., Shibuya, K., Sakono, M., Fukuda, N., Morishita, T., Yukizaki, C., Kawano, M., and Ohta, H. The effects of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) on serum and liver triglyceride levels in rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2004;91(2-3):257-262. View abstract.

Shekelle, P. G., Hardy, M., Morton, S. C., Coulter, I., Venuturupalli, S., Favreau, J., and Hilton, L. K. Are Ayurvedic herbs for diabetes effective? J Fam.Pract. 2005;54(10):876-886. View abstract.

Srivastava Y. Antidiabetic and adaptogenic properties of Momordica charantia extract:An experimental and clinical evaluation. Phytother Res 1993;7:285-289.

Stepka W, Wilson KE, and Madge GE. Antifertility investigation on Momordica. Lloydia 1974;37(4):645.

Takemoto, D. J., Dunford, C., and McMurray, M. M. The cytotoxic and cytostatic effects of the bitter melon (Momordica charantia) on human lymphocytes. Toxicon 1982;20(3):593-599. View abstract.

Takemoto, D. J., Jilka, C., and Kresie, R. Purification and characterization of a cytostatic factor from the bitter melon Momordica charantia. Prep.Biochem 1982;12(4):355-375. View abstract.

Tennekoon, K. H., Jeevathayaparan, S., Angunawala, P., Karunanayake, E. H., and Jayasinghe, K. S. Effect of Momordica charantia on key hepatic enzymes. J Ethnopharmacol. 1994;44(2):93-97. View abstract.

Tuekpe, M. K., Todoriki, H., Sasaki, S., Zheng, K. C., and Ariizumi, M. Potassium excretion in healthy Japanese women was increased by a dietary intervention utilizing home-parcel delivery of Okinawan vegetables. Hypertens.Res 2006;29(6):389-396. View abstract.

Virdi, J., Sivakami, S., Shahani, S., Suthar, A. C., Banavalikar, M. M., and Biyani, M. K. Antihyperglycemic effects of three extracts from Momordica charantia. J Ethnopharmacol. 2003;88(1):107-111. View abstract.

Wang, Y. X., Jacob, J., Wingfield, P. T., Palmer, I., Stahl, S. J., Kaufman, J. D., Huang, P. L., Huang, P. L., Lee-Huang, S., and Torchia, D. A. Anti-HIV and anti-tumor protein MAP30, a 30 kDa single-strand type-I RIP, shares similar secondary structure and beta-sheet topology with the A chain of ricin, a type-II RIP. Protein Sci. 2000;9(1):138-144. View abstract.

Wang, Y. X., Neamati, N., Jacob, J., Palmer, I., Stahl, S. J., Kaufman, J. D., Huang, P. L., Huang, P. L., Winslow, H. E., Pommier, Y., Wingfield, P. T., Lee-Huang, S., Bax, A., and Torchia, D. A. Solution structure of anti-HIV-1 and anti-tumor protein MAP30: structural insights into its multiple functions. Cell 11-12-1999;99(4):433-442. View abstract.

Welihinda, J., Arvidson, G. , Gylfe, E., Hellman, B., and Karlsson, E. The insulin-releasing activity of the tropical plant momordica charantia. Acta Biol Med Ger 1982;41(12):1229-1240. View abstract.

Wong, C. M., Yeung, H. W., and Ng, T. B. Screening of Trichosanthes kirilowii, Momordica charantia and Cucurbita maxima (family Cucurbitaceae) for compounds with antilipolytic activity. J Ethnopharmacol. 1985;13(3):313-321. View abstract.

Yasui, Y., Hosokawa, M., Kohno, H., Tanaka, T., and Miyashita, K. Troglitazone and 9cis,11trans,13trans-conjugated linolenic acid: comparison of their antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects on different colon cancer cell lines. Chemotherapy 2006;52(5):220-225. View abstract.

Ahmad N, Hassan MR, Halder H, Bennoor KS. Effect of Momordica charantia (Karolla) extracts on fasting and postprandial serum glucose levels in NIDDM patients (abstract). Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 1999;25:11-3. View abstract.

Ali L, Khan AK, Mamun MI, et al. Studies on hypoglycemic effects of fruit pulp, seed, and whole plant of Momordica charantia on normal and diabetic model rats. Planta Med 1993;59:408-12. View abstract.

Anila L, Vijayalakshmi NR. Beneficial effects of flavonoids from Sesamum indicum, Emblica officinalis and Momordica charantia. Phytother Res 2000;14:592-5. View abstract.

Aslam M, Stockley IH. Interaction between curry ingredient (karela) and drug (chlorpropamide). Lancet 1979:1:607. View abstract.

Baldwa VS, Bhandari CM, Pangaria A, Goyal RK. Clinical trial in patients with diabetes mellitus of an insulin-like compound obtained from plant sources. Ups J Med Sci 1977;82:39-41. View abstract.

Basch E, Gabardi S, Ulbricht C. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia): a review of efficacy and safety. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2003;60:356-9. View abstract.

Bourinbaiar AS, Lee-Huang S. The activity of plant-derived antiretroviral proteins MAP30 and GAP31 against herpes simplex virus in vitro. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1996;219:923-9. View abstract.

Bourinbaiar AS, Lee-Huang S. Potentiation of anti-HIV activity of anti-inflammatory drugs, dexamethasone and indomethacin, by MAP30, the antiviral agent from bitter melon. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1995;208:779-85. View abstract.

Cakici I, Hurmoglu C, Tunctan B, et al. Hypoglycaemic effect of Momordica charantia extracts in normoglycaemic or cyproheptadine-induced hyperglycaemic mice. J Ethnopharmacol 1994;44:117-21. View abstract.

Cunnick JE, Sakamoto K, Chapes SK, et al. Induction of tumor cytotoxic immune cells using a protein from the bitter melon (Momordica charantia). Cell Immunol 1990;126:278-89. View abstract.

Dans AM, Villarruz MV, Jimeno CA, et al. The effect of Momordica charantia capsule preparation on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus needs further studies. J Clin Epidemiol 2007;60:554-9. View abstract.

Day C, Cartwright T, Provost J, Bailey CJ. Hypoglycaemic effect of Momordica charantia extracts. Planta Med 1990;56:426-9. View abstract.

Grover JK, Vats V, Rathi SS, Dawar R. Traditional Indian anti-diabetic plants attenuate progression of renal damage in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice. J Ethnopharmacol 2001;76:233-8. View abstract.

Jilka C, Strifler B, Fortner GW, et al. In vivo antitumor activity of the bitter melon (Momordica charantia). Cancer Res 1983;43:5151-5. View abstract.

Jiratchariyakul W, Wiwat C, Vongsakul M, et al. HIV inhibitor from Thai bitter gourd. Planta Med 2001;67:350-3. View abstract.

Leatherdale B, Panesar RK, Singh G, et al. Improvement in glucose tolerance due to Momordica charantia. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;282:1823-4. View abstract.

Lee-Huang S, Huang PL, Chen HC, et al. Anti-HIV and anti-tumor activities of recombinant MAP30 from bitter melon. Gene 1995;161:151-6. View abstract.

Lee-Huang S, Huang PL, Huang PL, et al. Inhibition of the integrase of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 by anti-HIV plant proteins MAP30 and GAP31. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1995;92:8818-22. View abstract.

Lee-Huang S, Huang PL, Nara PL, et al. MAP 30: a new inhibitor of HIV-1 infection and replication. FEBS Lett 1990;272:12-8. View abstract.

Leung SO, Yeung HW, Leung KN. The immunosuppressive activities of two abortifacient proteins isolated from the seeds of bitter melon (Momordica charantia). Immunopharmacol 1987;13:159-71. View abstract.

Naseem MZ, Patil SR, Patil SR, et al. Antispermatogenic and androgenic activities of Momordica charantia (Karela) in albino rats. J Ethnopharmacol 1998;61:9-16. View abstract.

Raman A, et al. Anti-diabetic properties and phytochemistry of Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae). Phytomedicine 1996;294.

Sarkar S, Pranava M, Marita R. Demonstration of the hypoglycemic action of Momordica charantia in a validated animal model of diabetes. Pharmacol Res 1996;33:1-4. View abstract.

Schreiber CA, Wan L, Sun Y, et al. The antiviral agents, MAP30 and GAP31, are not toxic to human spermatozoa and may be useful in preventing the sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1. Fertil Steril 1999;72:686-90. View abstract.

Shibib BA, Khan LA, Rahman R. Hypoglycaemic activity of Coccinia indica and Momordica charantia in diabetic rats: depression of the hepatic gluconeogenic enzymes glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and elevation of both liver and red-cell shunt enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Biochem J 1993;292:267-70. View abstract.

Srivastava Y, Venkatakrishna-Bhatt H, Verma Y, et al. Antidiabetic and adaptogenic properties of Momordica charantia extract: An experimental and clinical evaluation. Phytother Res 1993;7:285-9.

Vikrant V, Grover JK, Tandon N, et al. Treatment with extracts of Momordica charantia and Eugenia jambolana prevents hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in fructose fed rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2001;76:139-43. View abstract.

Welihinda J, et al. Effect of Momordica charantia on the glucose tolerance in maturity onset diabetes. J Ethnopharmacol 1986;17:277-82. View abstract.

6 Benefits of Bitter Melon (Bitter Gourd) and Its Extract

Bitter melon is high in vitamins A and C and other nutrients. It contains compounds that may have health benefits. But it may cause some side effects.

Bitter melon — also known as bitter gourd or Momordica charantia — is a tropical vine that belongs to the gourd family and is closely related to zucchini, squash, pumpkin, and cucumber.

It’s cultivated around the world for its edible fruit, which is considered a staple in many types of Asian cuisine.

The Chinese variety is typically long, pale green, and covered with wart-like bumps.

On the other hand, the Indian variety is more narrow and has pointed ends with rough, jagged spikes on the rind.

In addition to its sharp flavor and distinct appearance, bitter melon has been associated with several impressive health benefits.

Here are 6 benefits of bitter melon and its extract.

Bitter melon is a great source of several key nutrients.

100 grams of raw bitter melon provides (1):

• Calories: 21
• Carbs: 4 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Vitamin C: 99% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin A: 44% of the DV
• Folate: 17% of the DV
• Potassium: 8% of the DV
• Zinc: 5% of the DV
• Iron: 4% of the DV

Bitter melon is especially rich in vitamin C, an important micronutrient involved in disease prevention, bone formation, and wound healing (2).

It’s also high in vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that promotes skin health and proper vision (3).

It provides folate, which is essential for growth and development, as well as smaller amounts of potassium, zinc, and iron (4).

Bitter melon is a good source of catechin, gallic acid, epicatechin, and chlorogenic acid, too — powerful antioxidant compounds that can help protect your cells against damage (5).

Plus, it’s low in calories yet high in fiber — fulfilling approximately 8% of your daily fiber needs in a single one-cup (94-gram) serving.

Summary

Bitter melon is a good source of nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, folate and vitamin A.

Thanks to its potent medicinal properties, bitter melon has long been used by indigenous populations around the world to help treat diabetes-related conditions. In recent years, several studies confirmed the fruit’s role in blood sugar control (6).

A 3-month study in 24 adults with diabetes showed that taking 2,000 mg of bitter melon daily decreased blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c, a test used to measure blood sugar control over three months (7).

Another study in 40 people with diabetes found that taking 2,000 mg per day of bitter melon for 4 weeks led to a modest reduction in blood sugar levels.

What’s more, the supplement significantly decreased levels of fructosamine, a short term marker of long-term blood sugar control (8).

Bitter melon is thought to improve the way that sugar is used in your tissues and promote the secretion of insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels (9).

However, research in humans is limited, and larger, more high-quality studies are needed to understand how bitter melon may impact blood sugar levels in the general population.

Summary

Bitter melon has been shown to improve several markers of long-term blood sugar control, including levels of fructosamine and hemoglobin A1c. Still, more high-quality research is needed.

Research suggests that bitter melon contains certain compounds with cancer-fighting properties.

For example, one older test-tube study showed that bitter melon extract was effective at killing cancer cells of the stomach, colon, lung, and nasopharynx — the area located behind the nose at the back of your throat (10).

Another combined test-tube and animal study had similar findings, reporting that bitter melon extract was able to block the growth and spread of breast cancer cells while also promoting cancer cell death (11).

Keep in mind that these studies were performed using concentrated amounts of bitter melon extract on individual cells in a laboratory.

Further research is needed to determine how bitter melon may affect cancer growth and development in humans when consumed in the normal amounts found in food.

Summary

Test-tube studies show that bitter melon may have cancer-fighting properties and could be effective against stomach, colon, lung, nasopharynx, and breast cancer cells.

High levels of cholesterol can cause fatty plaque to build up in your arteries, forcing your heart to work harder to pump blood and increasing your risk of heart disease (12).

Several animal studies found that bitter melon may decrease cholesterol levels to support overall heart health.

One human study found that administering water-soluble extract of bitter melon led to significant decreases in levels of LDL or “bad” cholesterol, compared to a placebo (13).

However, one study in mice noted that bitter melon didn’t result in improvement of cholesterol levels or the development of atherosclerosis (14).

Additional studies are needed to determine whether these positive effects on humans eating the gourd as part of a balanced diet are consistent.

Summary

Animal and human studies show that bitter melon extract may decrease cholesterol levels, which could help support heart health. Nonetheless, more research to confirm these effects.

Bitter melon makes an excellent addition to a weight loss diet, as it’s low in calories yet high in fiber. It contains approximately 2 grams of fiber in each 100-gram serving (1).

Fiber passes through your digestive tract very slowly, helping keep you fuller for longer and reducing hunger and appetite (15).

Bitter melon also has laxative properties, which may help to support digestion if you are constipated (16).

Therefore, swapping higher-calorie ingredients with bitter melon could help increase your fiber intake and cut calories to promote weight loss.

Note that these studies were performed using high-dose bitter melon supplements. It remains unclear whether eating bitter melon as part of your regular diet would have the same beneficial effects on health.

Bitter melon has a sharp flavor that works well in many dishes.

To prepare it, start by washing the fruit and cutting it lengthwise. Then use a utensil to scoop out the seeds from the center, and cut the fruit into thin slices.

Bitter melon can be enjoyed raw or cooked in various recipes.

In fact, it can be pan-fried, steamed, baked, or even hollowed out and stuffed with your choice of fillings.

Here are a few interesting ways to add bitter melon to your diet:

• Juice bitter melon along with a few other fruits and vegetables for a nutrient-packed beverage.
• Mix bitter melon into your next stir-fry to bump up the health benefits.
• Sauté bitter melon alongside tomatoes, garlic, and onions and add to scrambled eggs.
• Combine seedless bitter melon with your choice of dressing and garnish for a savory salad.
• Stuff with ground meat and vegetables and serve with a black bean sauce.

Summary

Bitter melon is easy to prepare and can be used in many different dishes and recipes.

When enjoyed in moderation, bitter melon can be a healthy and nutritious addition to your diet.

However, consuming high amounts of bitter melon or taking bitter melon supplements may be associated with several adverse effects.

In particular, bitter melon has been linked to diarrhea and abdominal pain (17).

It’s also not recommended for women who are pregnant, as its long-term effects on health have not been extensively studied.

Due to its impact on blood sugar, you should consult with your healthcare provider before eating it if you’re taking any blood sugar-lowering medications.

Also, talk with a healthcare professional before supplementing with bitter melon if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any medications, and be sure to use as directed.

Summary

Bitter melon may be associated with adverse side effects. Pregnant women, people with underlying health problems, and those taking blood sugar-lowering medications should consult their doctor before use.

Bitter melon is a fruit in the gourd family with a unique appearance and flavor.

It’s not only rich in several important nutrients but also linked to numerous health benefits, including improved blood sugar control and cholesterol levels.

Note that people who are pregnant or on certain medications — particularly blood sugar-lowering medications — should speak to their healthcare provider before consuming high amounts or taking supplements.