Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) - Botanical Medicines

Bitter Melon ( Momordica charantia )

Bitter melon, also known as balsam pear, is a tropical vegetable widely cultivated in Asia, Africa, and South America. According to Murray and Pizzorno, bitter melon is composed of several compounds, including charantin. Charantin, which acts as a hypoglycemic agent, is composed of mixed steroids that are more potent than the prescription drug Tolbutamide in treating some cases of diabetes. Bitter melon also contains polypeptide-P, which lowers blood sugar levels when injected in patients with Type 1 diabetes. Since it appears to have fewer side effects than insulin, Murray and Pizzorno suggest that it can be used as an insulin substitute for some patients.

S. Lee-Huang, writing in the October 15, 1990 issue of FEBS Letter , reports that an isolated, purified extract of bitter melon seeds and fruits ( Momordica charantia or MAP 30) formed an essential basic protein that inhibited cell-free HIV-1 infection and replications in animal experiments. No severe side effects have been identified. Lee-Huang concludes: “This data suggests that MAP 30 may be a useful therapeutic agent in the treatment of HIV-1 infections.”