Bitter Melon (Momordica Charantia) Uses, Benefits, Dosages & Side Effects

Bitter melon is a tropical and subtropical perennial plant that grows in east Africa, South America, the Caribbean and Asia.

It has been used as food and traditional medicine for treating diabetes, immune disorders, viral infections, skin disorders, gastrointestinal complaints, and cancer.

Cultured cell (in-vitro) and animal studies suggest various pharmacological effects associated with bitter melon, however reliable human research is largely lacking. [1][2]

This article reviews what has been discovered about the constituents that make bitter melon up, how they affect the human body, their possible health benefits, and their safety. Some recommended dosages will also be reviewed, as well as possible side effects and interactions.

Bitter Melon

Fruit Extract

Blood Sugar

Digestive Function

Well-Being

How It Works:

• Promotes blood sugar regulation
• Exhibits immune-boosting effects
• Supports gastrointestinal health

Dosage:

Between 500 - 900 mg per serving

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Bitter Melon Plant Description

Bitter melon is also known as bitter gourd, karela. It is called Momordica murcata in botanical terminology and it is a member of the Cucurbitaceae (cucumber) family. [1]

Raintree Tropical Plant Database (RTPD) states that bitter melon plants: [2]

• Develop warty gourd-like, usually oblong fruits that resemble small cucumbers;
• Develop yellow, solitary male and female flowers borne in the leaf axils;
• Release numerous reddish-brown or white seeds encased in scarlet arils;
• Are slender, climbing annual vines with long-stalked leaves;
• Develop jagged-edged leaves that “bite”;

All parts of bitter melon plants have been used medicinally in the past – and all taste very bitter due to their content of certain alkaloids, momordicosides, and momordicines. [1]

Bitter melon has various names, depending on geography. Some of these include African Cucumber, Balsam Pear, Bitter Apple, Bitter Cucumber, Bitter Gourd, Bittergurke, Cerasee, Courge Amère, Cundeamor, Karavella, Karela, Kareli, Kathilla, Kerala, Kuguazi, K’u-Kua, Margose, Melón Amargo, Momordica, Momordique, Paroka, Pepino Montero, P’u-T’ao, Sorosi, Sushavi, Vegetable Insulin, Wild Cucumber. [1]

Do not confuse bitter melon with a different plant, also from Cucurbitaceae, called Ivy Gourd (Coccinia grandis). [1]

Uses for Bitter Melon

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) reports that bitter melon has been used for centuries in Asian, African and Latin American traditional medicine.

NMCD states, “Folkloric uses include diabetes, psoriasis, gastrointestinal cramps, infections, and cancer.” [1]

Bitter melon has also been used as an abortifactant to cause miscarriage during pregnancy, and to treat infertility. [1]

Fruit of bitter melon is commonly consumed as foodstuff. It is used in curries, especially in southern Asia where it is called “karela”. [1]

RTPD states that people in the Amazon add bitter melon fruit and leaf to soups and beans to create a tart/bitter flavor. [2]

According to RTPD, “Medicinally, the plant has a long history of use by the indigenous peoples of the Amazon. A leaf tea is used for diabetes, to expel intestinal gas, to promote menstruation, and as an antiviral for measles, hepatitis, and feverish conditions.” [2]

Bitter melon is used both internally and externally for killing parasites and worms. It has been used topically for treating wounds, sores and infections. [2]

RTPD states, “In Brazilian herbal medicine, bitter melon is used for tumors, wounds, rheumatism, malaria, vaginal discharge, inflammation, menstrual problems, diabetes, colic, fevers, worms. It is also used to induce abortions and as an aphrodisiac.” [2]

In Nicaragua, bitter melon is used to treat diabetes, stomach pain, colds, coughs, fevers, headache, malaria and skin disorders. It is also used there for menstruation complaints, hypertension (high blood pressure), infections, aches, pains and as an aid during childbirth. [2]

In Peruvian traditional medicine, bitter melon leaf and other aboveground parts have been used to treat measles, all types of inflammation, and malaria. [2]

NMCD reports that people use bitter melon supplements orally today for: [1]

• As supportive therapy for patients with AIDS/HIV;
• Urinary tract stones (kidney stones);
• Colitis (inflamed colon lining);
• Hepatic (liver) disease;
• Gastrointestinal upset;
• Inducing menstruation;
• Intestinal worms;
• Gastric ulcers;
• Constipation;
• Psoriasis;
• Diabetes;
• Fever;

NMCD states that bitter melon is used topically for treating wounds, skin abscesses, and anorectal herpes lesions. [1]

Note that the various uses for bitter melon have not been substantiated in clinical trials. These uses are based on tradition, word-of-mouth, and other nonscientific sources.

How does Bitter Melon Work inside the Body?

According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), bitter melon has demonstrated anticancer, lipid-lowering and antiviral effects in in-vitro and animal studies. [3]

Anti-Diabetes Effects:

In human research with both healthy and diabetic patients, bitter melon exerted hypoglycemic (lowers blood glucose) effects. However, more research is needed before this use can be generally recommended. [3]

MSKCC states, “Recent findings suggest that bitter melon extracts have the potential for increasing insulin sensitivity in patients with type-2 diabetes compared to those with type-1 disease.” [3]

In an animal study, bitter melon seemed to reduce blood glucose by suppressing 2 hepatic (liver) enzymes: fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and glucose-6-phosphatase. [3]

MSKCC reports that, in animals, bitter melon improved glucose tolerance, insulin signaling and insulin sensitivity. It also reduced resistance to insulin by affecting PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor), and expression of PPAR-gamma. [3]

MSKCC reports, “A recent study showed that the preventive effects of bitter melon against insulin resistance are via modulation of nuclear factor (NF-kappa B) and phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways.” [3]

Weight Loss Effects:

Bitter melon may help to promote weight loss by inhibiting the formation of metabolic fat in adipose tissue throughout the body. Animals fed bitter melon showed lower levels of an enzyme needed to synthesize fats, called fatty acid synthase. [3]

Bitter melon may also affect metabolism of fats and carbohydrates by stimulating a protein involved in regulating glucose called adiponectin.

It also does so by stimulating thyroid hormones, and by upregulating activities of AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase). [3]

MSKCC states, “In another study, it was shown to prevent inflammation and oxidative stress, modulate mitochondrial activity, suppress apoptosis activation, and inhibit lipid accumulation during the development of fatty liver.” [3]

Anticancer effects:

Bitter melon contains a RIP (ribosome inhibiting protein), called MCP30, that inhibits activity of HDAC (histone deacetylase)-1. This RIP also induces apoptosis (normal cell death) in prostate cancer cells. [3]

Bitter melon has also activated PPAR-gamma, and induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells. Bitter melon juice has caused pancreatic cancer cell apoptosis by inducing caspase-3 activation through AMPK. [3]

Again, human research on most of bitter melon’s effects is lacking. More research is necessary to understand precisely how bitter melon constituents works inside the human body.

Bitter Melon Health Benefits

NMCD states there is Insufficient Reliable Evidence to Rate bitter melon for any preventive or curative purpose in any health condition. The only condition NMCD mentions in regards to bitter melon effects is diabetes mellitus (“sugar” diabetes). [1]

According to NMCD, “Some preliminary research shows that bitter melon fruit, fruit juice, and extract improves glucose tolerance, reduces blood glucose levels, and lowers glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) in patients with type 2 diabetes.” [1]

However, NMCD points out that the studies to date have been small, of short duration, or uncontrolled. Large, reliable clinical trials are needed to rate bitter melon for any of its proposed uses. [1]

Nutrition and You reports the following health benefits associated with bitter melon: [5]

• Increases glycogen synthesis in liver, muscle and fat tissue;
• Contains polypeptide-P which lowers blood glucose levels;
• Increases glucose uptake in liver, muscle and fat tissue;
• Low-calorie, nutrient-rich food source;
• Stimulates smooth digestion;
• Alleviates constipation;
• Relieves indigestion;

It is best to discuss intended uses for bitter melon supplements with your doctor before beginning to use one. There are some safety, side effect and interaction possibilities to be careful of. (more below)

Bitter Melon Dosage

The dosage of this natural supplement will depend on the form it is being used in. According to Drugs.com, Bitter melon juice has been recommended at a dose of between 50 to 100 mL for individuals with diabetes.

The fruit has also been recommended at a service size of 900 mg taken three times per day.

Pay close attention to dosing instructions on bitter melon supplements you may use.

RTPD reports the following bitter melon doses recommended by some herbalists for general health-enhancing purposes: [2]

• Juice of 1 or 2 bitter melons fruits, drank twice daily for diabetes;
• 1 cup leaf or whole herb decoction, 1-2 times daily;
• 1-2 grams powdered leaf in tablets or capsules;
• 1-3 ml 4:1 tincture, twice daily;

Talk with your doctor first about using bitter melon to be sure it is safe for you. Ask the doctor about the best dose for you to begin with, if any at all.

Bitter Melon Supplements

NMCD reports that fruit extracts and powder formulations are the most commonly-used bitter melon supplements. Tablets, capsules, liquid extracts and tinctures are also used. [1]

There are more than 250 different dietary supplement products for sale that contain bitter melon. Read labels closely to tell which plant parts, and how much of them are used in these supplements. [1]

Shop with trusted merchants, and look for organic, non-GMO bitter melon products. Store your supplements in lowlit, cool locations on tightly-sealed containers. Pay attention to expiration dates.

Bitter Melon Side Effects

According to Drugs.com, extracts from this plant are relatively safe when used at low doses and for a time period of less than 4 weeks.

RTPD states that bitter melon has been used to induce miscarriage in the past. It might have weak uterine-stimulating activity. Usage during pregnancy is not recommended. [2]

Bitter melon has also been used to reduce fertility in both genders. Do not use this supplement if you are undergoing fertility treatments or in-vitro fertilization, or if you are otherwise trying to become pregnant. [2]

The active phytochemicals inbBitter melon extract are able to pass into breast milk. Use of this supplement during breastfeeding is not recommended. [2]

All parts of bitter melon have demonstrated hypoglycemic effects in in-vitro, animal and some human studies. Speak with your doctor beforehand about using a bitter melon supplement if you have diabetes mellitus. [2]

RTPD states, “Diabetics should check with their physicians before using this plant and use with caution while monitoring their blood sugar levels regularly as the dosage of insulin medications may need adjusting.” [2]

Bitter melon has demonstrated antibacterial activity, but has not demonstrated antifungal or antiyeast activity. Long-term use of bitter melon supplements might kill off some beneficial gut bacteria, and possible allow Candida to experience overgrowth, leading to “yeast” infections. It is recommended to use this supplement in a cycle. Take one week off for every 3 weeks of use. [2]

Michigan Medical states that too much bitter melon fruit or juice can cause adverse effects – including abdominal pain and diarrhea. However, this is only a concern at doses much higher than recommended.

Excessive ingestion of bitter melon has been associated with fever, headache and coma. [2]

Bitter melon contains alkaloids, resins and saponin glycosides that cause its bitter taste. These substances might cause intolerance in some people. Possible symptoms of this include excessive salivation, dim vision, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, weak muscles and facial redness. [2]

In one case report, the juice of the red arils surrounding bitter melon seeds caused vomiting, diarrhea and death in a young child.

Bitter Melon Interactions

Bitter melon supplements are not known to interact with foods, but may cause false readings on laboratory tests that measure levels of blood-glucose, or glycosylated hemoglobin A1C.

Because it can affect blood sugar levels, be careful using bitter melon along with antidiabetes medications like glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase PresTabs, Micronase), insulin, metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others.

Be careful mixing bitter melon with other herbs and supplements that have hypoglycemic properties. These include alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, devil’s claw, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, psyllium, Siberian ginseng, and others.

Vicine – a natural chemical found in the seeds of this plant, may induce a condition known as favism in patients with a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6DP) deficiency. This is a genetic disorder that occurs mostly in males. Favism is charactierized by headache, abdominal pain, fever and can result in a coma in serious cases.

Ask your doctor about using a bitter melon supplement first if you have diabetes, metabolic syndrom or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

Stop using bitter melon supplements at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery.

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