National Bitter Melon Council

The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information contained in this website is intended for education, entertainment and information purposes only. This information is not intended to be used to diagnose, prescribe or replace proper medical care. The plant described herein is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose, mitigate or prevent any disease.

Bitter Melon Nutritional Information

Scientific Name: Momordica Charantia L.
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Color: a range from white to light/mid green
Some of the common names: Bitter gourd, Bitter melon, Bitter cucumber, Karela (Hindi), Balsam pear, Balsam apple
Nutritional Value: 44 kcal, 5.6 g protein, 290 mg calcium, 5 mg iron, 5.1 mg vitamin A, 170 mg vitamin C per 100 g serving

Reported Health and Nutrient Benefits
Bitter Melons are rich in iron. They have twice the beta carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, twice the potassium of bananas, and contain Vitamins A, C, B1 to B3, Phosphorus and good dietary fiber.

As for its medicinal value, at least three different constituents in Bitter Melon have been reported to have hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) or other actions of potential benefit in treating diabetes mellitus. In traditional Chinese medicine, Bitter melon is used as an appetite stimulant and as a treatment for gastrointestinal infection and against breast cancer. Bitter Melon may prove to be a very effective herbal remedy against diabetes! It has been proven to increase the number of beta cells (those which produce insulin) in the pancreas. Bitter Melon seems to be supportive in HIV treatment, several proteins (such as alpha – and beta momocharin) have HIV inhibitory effects in vitro. However, they are not cytotoxic.

Reported Herbal Properties and Actions
Main Actions
kills bacteria, kills viruses , kills cancer cells, kills leukemia cells, prevents tumors, treats diabetes, reduces blood sugar, reduces blood pressure, lowers body temperature
Other Actions
reduces inflammation, fights free radicals, enhances libido, cleanses blood, detoxifies, expels worms, balances hormones, enhances immunity, mildly laxative, promotes milk flow

Summary
Bitter melon has been suggested as a treatment for many conditions. There is some research to support the use of bitter melon in lowering blood sugar levels, although it is not clear what dose is safe and effective. Bitter melon should be used cautiously with close monitoring by a health care provider in people with diabetes. Chemotherapy drugs, anti-inflammatories, and agents acting on the immune system may be affected. There is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of bitter melon for any other medical condition. It should be avoided in pregnant or breast-feeding women and in children.

Sources
http://www.rain-tree.com (reference 1)
http://www.rain-tree.com (reference 2)
http://www.healthynerd.com
http://www.foodsdatabase.com
http://en.wikipedia.org

Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and dietary supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products containing or claiming to contain bitter melon. Decisions to use herbs or supplements should be carefully considered. Individuals using prescription drugs should discuss taking herbs or supplements with their pharmacist or health care provider before starting.