- Bitter melon (Momordica charantia L. Curcurbitaceae) has traditionally been used as a remedy for lowering blood sugar in patients with diabetes. Preliminary data exists on bitter melon use in HIV and cancer. Extracts and powdered formulations of the fruit are most frequently used, although teas made from the stems and leaves are sometimes recommended.
- Bitter melon is also consumed as a foodstuff and is found as an ingredient in some south Asian curries. The raw fruit is available in specialty Asian markets where it is known as karela.
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ingredients
Bitter melon (Momordica charantia L. Curcurbitaceae) and MAP30
Contents
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to . Selected references are listed below.
- Basch E, Gabardi S, Ulbricht C. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia): a review of efficacy and safety. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2003;60(4):356-359.
View Abstract - Bourinbaiar AS, Lee-Huang S. The activity of plant-derived antiretroviral proteins MAP30 and GAP31 against herpes simplex virus in vitro. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1996;219(3):923-929.
View Abstract - Bourinbaiar AS, Lee-Huang S. Potentiation of anti-HIV activity of anti-inflammatory drugs, dexamethasone and indomethacin, by MAP30, the antiviral agent from bitter melon. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1995;208(2):779-785.
View Abstract - Dans AM, Villarruz MV, Jimeno CA, et al. The effect of Momordica charantia capsule preparation on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus needs further studies. J Clin Epidemiol 2007;60(6):554-559.
View Abstract - Das P, Sinhababu SP, Dam T. Screening of antihelminthic effects of Indian plant extracts: a preliminary report. J Altern Complement Med 2006;12(3):299-301.
View Abstract - Day C, Cartwright T, Provost J, et al. Hypoglycaemic effect of Momordica charantia extracts. Planta Med 1990;56(5):426-429.
View Abstract - Krawinkel MB, Keding GB. Bitter gourd (Momordica Charantia): A dietary approach to hyperglycemia. Nutr Rev 2006;64(7 Pt 1):331-337.
View Abstract - Leatherdale BA, Panesar RK, Singh G, et al. Improvement in glucose tolerance due to Momordica charantia (karela). Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;282(6279):1823-1824.
View Abstract - Lee-Huang S, Huang PL, Chen HC, et al. Anti-HIV and anti-tumor activities of recombinant MAP30 from bitter melon. Gene 1995;161(2):151-156.
View Abstract - Lee-Huang S, Huang PL, Huang PL, et al. Inhibition of the integrase of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 by anti-HIV plant proteins MAP30 and GAP31. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1995;92(19):8818-8822.
View Abstract - Leung SO, Yeung HW, Leung KN. The immunosuppressive activities of two abortifacient proteins isolated from the seeds of bitter melon (Momordica charantia). Immunopharmacology 1987;13(3):159-171.
View Abstract - Limtrakul P, Khantamat O, Pintha K. Inhibition of P-glycoprotein activity and reversal of cancer multidrug resistance by Momordica charantia extract. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2004 Dec;54(6):525-30.
View Abstract - Raman A, Lau C. Anti-diabetic properties and phytochemistry of Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae). Phytomedicine 1996;2(4):349-362.
- Rebultan SP. Bitter melon therapy: an experimental treatment of HIV infection. AIDS Asia. 1995 Jul-Aug;2(4):6-7.
View Abstract - Virdi J, Sivakami S, Shahani S, et al. Antihyperglycemic effects of three extracts from Momordica charantia. J Ethnopharmacol 2003;88(1):107-111.
View Abstract
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