Bitter Melon
Momordica charantia
A bitter gourd food/medicine used for blood-sugar support across Asian traditions.
Traditional use (ayurveda, tcm): A bitter gourd food/medicine used for blood-sugar support across Asian traditions.
A bitter gourd food/medicine used for blood-sugar support across Asian traditions.
Active constituents are under study; evidence ranges from traditional use to preliminary human trials.
- A bitter gourd food/medicine used for blood-sugar support across Asian traditions.
Evidence strength: limited human.
- See the evidence level above
- Can lower blood sugar (additive with diabetes meds); seeds/excess cause GI upset; not for pregnancy.
- Pregnancy
- G6PD deficiency
Can lower blood sugar (additive with diabetes meds); seeds/excess cause GI upset; not for pregnancy.
May interact with prescription medications — review with a clinician if you take any.
Use caution in pregnancy, breastfeeding, for children, and with chronic disease unless cleared by a clinician.
Choose reputable, tested suppliers; correct identification is essential for wild-harvested plants.