Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia)
A traditional Asian vegetable used for centuries in diabetes management. Reasonable evidence for modest blood sugar improvement.
Mixed evidence — some trials show modest HbA1c reduction in T2D, others show null. Generally weaker than berberine or metformin. Effects: 8–12 weeks.
Bitter melon (also bitter gourd, karela) is a vegetable common in South Asian, Chinese, and Caribbean cooking. Its 'charantin' and a polypeptide called p-insulin act on glucose uptake and insulin signalling. Traditional use for blood sugar is millennia-old; modern trials are mixed but largely supportive of modest glucose improvements. Better as adjunct to lifestyle and other agents than as standalone therapy.
- Form
- Bitter melon extract standardised, or juiced fresh fruit (traditional, but bitter).
- Dose
- 500–1,500 mg/day extract. 50–100 mL fresh juice daily.
- Timing
- Before main meals.
- Schedule
- Daily.
- Side effects
- GI upset, diarrhea, abdominal pain. Hypoglycemia in diabetics on medication.
- Interactions
- Diabetes medications — additive. Anticoagulants — mild.
- Contraindications
- Pregnancy (uterine stimulant, traditional abortifacient). Active hypoglycemia. G6PD deficiency (favism-like reaction reported).
- Lab markers
- Fasting glucose, HbA1c.
- Food sources
- Bitter melon vegetable — common in South Asian cuisine. Karela curry, stir-fries.
Pairs with
Berberine, gymnema, alpha-lipoic acid (metabolic stack).
within Herbs & botanicals