Fitness
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Bitter Melon Extract?

Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Bitter melon extract, also called Momordica charantia or Karela, comes from a fruit that is commonly used in homeopathic medicine to treat a wide range of illnesses. For example, it is often recommended by practitioners to regulate a person’s blood sugar levels and thereby prevent or treat diabetes. In addition, recent studies have shown that bitter melon extract may fight the growth of breast cancer cells. Other studies have shown that it may help people infected with the HIV virus as well.

Commonly grown in areas of India, China, the Caribbean, and Africa, the bitter melon plant grows as a vine with yellow flowers and green fruit. The fruit looks similar to a cucumber, but it is covered with larger and more pronounced bumps. When it is unripe, the seeds and pith are white. The pith or pulp turns red when it is ripe.

Some believe bitter melon can help fight HIV, although doctors recommend all HIV positive patients continue to take their prescribed antiretroviral combination therapy.
Some believe bitter melon can help fight HIV, although doctors recommend all HIV positive patients continue to take their prescribed antiretroviral combination therapy.

Homeopathic medicine practitioners have recommended bitter melon extract to treat a variety of ailments for years. For example, it is often used as a digestive aid and may be used to help a person suffering from constipation. Some practitioners claim that it may also be used to treat malaria, and some clinical studies have shown that it may prevent malaria in laboratory animals.

Bitter melon may cause hypoglycemia in diabetics, which is a condition in which blood sugar drops too low.
Bitter melon may cause hypoglycemia in diabetics, which is a condition in which blood sugar drops too low.

People infected with the HIV virus are often recommended bitter melon extract as well. Although it is not believed to treat the illness directly, it is believed to counteract the side effects associated with the drugs prescribed to the infected person. Additional research is necessary before the extract can be ruled out as a treatment because there is some evidence that it may improve the function of immune cells.

An excessive amount of bitter melon may cause stomach pains.
An excessive amount of bitter melon may cause stomach pains.

One study has shown that bitter melon extract significantly affects the growth of breast cancer cells. In fact, it may become a chemopreventative product against breast cancer. Specifically, the extract has been shown to decrease breast cancer cell growth and kill breast cancer cells.

Many homeopathic remedy practitioners also recommend bitter melon extract to prevent or fight type-2 diabetes. In one study, the extract seemed to increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin. In another study, the extract appeared to lower blood sugar levels.

Some practitioners believe that bitter melon extract may be helpful in treating malaria.
Some practitioners believe that bitter melon extract may be helpful in treating malaria.

Although bitter melon extract may be consumed as a liquid tincture, the juice from the fruit may also be consumed. In most cases, a person would consume 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of the extract several times each day. As with any remedy, people should understand that there are side effects. For example, if an excessive amount of bitter melon extract is consumed, it may cause diarrhea and stomach pains. In addition, pregnant women and people with low blood sugar should avoid using the extract.

Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to WiseGEEK.

Learn more...
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to WiseGEEK.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Some believe bitter melon can help fight HIV, although doctors recommend all HIV positive patients continue to take their prescribed antiretroviral combination therapy.
      By: danilkorolev
      Some believe bitter melon can help fight HIV, although doctors recommend all HIV positive patients continue to take their prescribed antiretroviral combination therapy.
    • Bitter melon may cause hypoglycemia in diabetics, which is a condition in which blood sugar drops too low.
      By: brankatekic
      Bitter melon may cause hypoglycemia in diabetics, which is a condition in which blood sugar drops too low.
    • An excessive amount of bitter melon may cause stomach pains.
      By: Photographee.eu
      An excessive amount of bitter melon may cause stomach pains.
    • Some practitioners believe that bitter melon extract may be helpful in treating malaria.
      By: claffra
      Some practitioners believe that bitter melon extract may be helpful in treating malaria.