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Common Name
Bitter Melon, Ku Gua, Karela, Bitter Gourd, Bitter Apple, Balsam Pea
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Botanical Name
Momordica charantia
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Part Used
Fruit
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Clinical Summary
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Monograph
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Alcohol
55%
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Dose
20 to 40mL weekly
Traditionally used to support blood sugar balance, digestion, and detoxification, bitter melon can assist in managing metabolic conditions, liver health, and skin clarity.
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Traditional Use
Bitter Melon is used in Ayurveda to stimulate digestion and balance all doshas. In TCM it is bitter and cooling and enters the heart, lung, spleen, and liver meridians, where it is used to clear liver heat, cool summer heat, move Qi and tonify the liver.
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Actions
Hypoglycaemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, digestive aid, hepatoprotective, adaptogen, cholagogue, vermifuge, immunomodulatory, emmenagogue (in high doses).
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Indications
• Diabetes, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome, mild autoimmune conditions (where metabolic dysregulation is present)
• Weight management
• Liver and gallbladder support, hepatitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• Sluggish digestion, indigestion, bloating, constipation, poor appetite, chronic dysbiosis, especially in hot, damp constitutions or climates
• Skin conditions such as acne, eczema and boils, particularly when associated with ‘heat’ or internal toxicity
• Parasitic and microbial infections: Traditional use for intestinal worms and skin infections
• Viral infections (adjunctive) -
Energetics
Bitter, cooling, drying, purgative and detoxifying
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Use in Pregnancy
Not recommended during pregnancy due to its potential to stimulate uterine contractions and induce miscarriage.
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Contraindications & Cautions
Bitter melon is generally considered safe. In rare cases, in sensitive individuals, bitter melon may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal cramping or diarrhoea, due to its bitter compounds, especially when taken in large doses or on an empty stomach. It should be taken with caution by individuals with sensitive stomachs or gastrointestinal issues. Overuse of the juice can cause headaches and possible fevers. It is also unsuitable for individuals with pronounced deficiency states, particularly those who are underweight, fatigued or have a cold digestive constitution, as its intense bitterness may aggravate these conditions. People with Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency may develop haemolytic anaemia from ingesting bitter melon seeds due to the presence of vicine, a compound related to those in fava beans. It is advised that patients with G6PD deficiency avoid bitter melon. G6PD is a genetic condition where the body lacks enough of the enzyme G6PD, which plays a key role in protecting red blood cells from damage.
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Drug Interactions
Caution with antidiabetic drugs: Bitter melon can lower blood glucose levels and may have additive effects when used with antidiabetic drugs. This could increase the risk of hypoglycaemia in some patients. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is advised.
Caution with P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates: Bitter melon may inhibit the P-gp intestinal pump, potentially increasing levels of P-gp substrates. In vitro studies show that 1-monopalmitin, a bitter melon compound, raises daunomycin levels. Bitter melon may increase levels of pazopanib (a cancer medicine that is used to treat patients with kidney cancer (advanced renal cell carcinoma)), potentially raising the risk of adverse effects. A case report describes a 65-year-old patient who developed acute pancreatitis after consuming 100-150mL of bitter melon juice daily while on pazopanib. Symptoms improved after discontinuing both bitter melon and pazopanib. Researchers believe bitter melon inhibited P-gp, leading to higher pazopanib levels and triggering pancreatitis.
Caution with anticoagulants/antiplatelets: In vitro inhibition of platelet aggregation warrants caution.
Caution with CYP450 substrates: There is limited evidence regarding interactions with other pharmaceuticals but theoretical concerns exist around combining bitter melon with medications that are sensitive to alterations in liver enzyme activity, especially CYP450 substrates. Preliminary data suggests modulation, especially CYP3A4. Further study is needed.
Caution with fertility medications: Animal data shows antifertility effects so avoid if conception is desired. -
Dietary Information
Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free.
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Substitutes
Fenugreek, Gymnema, Cinnamon, Barberry, Goat’s Rue, Bilberry, Coleus, Green Tea