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Benefits | Preparation | Medicinal Uses | Side Effects | Plant | Folklore |
Bitter Melon Momordica charantia
Momordica charantia
Common Names
Bitter Melon , balsam pear, bitter gourd
Botanical Name
Momordica charantia
Family
CUCURBITACEAE Gourds
Bitter Melon Medicinal Properties & Benefits
Diabetes * Herpes *
Parts Used: gourd fruit
Constituents:Glycosides: momordin, charantin Alkaloids: momordicinOthers: polypeptide-P Oils (seed only): stearic, linoleic, oleic acids Glycoproteins: alpha-momorcharin, beta-momorcharin, lectins
The gourd-like fruit has a long history as a treatment for diabetes. Bitter melon improves the body's ability to use blood sugar and improves glucose tolerances. Bitter melon is used to treat infections caused by retrovirues, and is being investigated in the treatment of HIV Otheruses for bitter melon include treating colds, flu and fever, parasites, digestive and skin diseases.
Bitter Melon Remedies
Prep Methods :Bitter melon can be taken as the whole fruit, tincture or juice. For diabetes the tincture is the form most often used and it is often combined with gurmar (gymnema sylvstre).
remedy Remedies using Bitter Melon
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referencesBitter Melon Medicinal Uses & References
Lower Blood Sugar
Several clinical trials have shown that bitter melon extract and juice lower blood sugar in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. One of the phytochemicals, charantin is said to be more potent than tolbutamide, and has fewer side effects. If you can find the melons at an Asian market try eating one small one each day 366

(Duke, James A, Ph.D. )

Diabetes
It contains several phytochemicals that appear to act in ways similar to sulfonyurea drugs, without the side effects. Bitter melon also contains compounds that are close chemical relatives of insulin. 634

(White,Linda B., M.D. )

Diabetes
Bitter melon has been used to treat diabetes, cancer, viral infections, and immune disorders. Data suggest that a significant hypoglycemic effect occurs in both healthy and diabetic patients. However, bitter melon should not be used in place of mainstream therapies. In vitro and animal studies indicate antiviral activity against HIV and herpes, cytotoxic effects against leukemic cells, and cytostatic effects in breast cancer, but related human studies have not been conducted. 1312

. Bitter Melon. (), Sloan-Kettering 2008-06-03

Herpes
Bitter melon exytracts are two to thre times more effective that the popular prescription drug acyclovir (Zovirax) at killing strains of herpes viruses that are not drug resistant,and is 100's of times more effects at treating the drug resistant strains. 1313

(Phyllis A. Balch )

Side Effects:
If you are taking medication for your blood sugar levels, take to your doctor before trying the fruit, and keep a close eye on your blood sugar. Avoid use if you have a history of liver problems. Excessive amounts can cause diarrhea and abdominal pain. Not for use during pregnancy
Plant Description

Momordica charantiaA tropical vine with yellow flowers and reddish tinged fruit native to South America, Asia and Africa, bitter melon is an important ingredient in Asian cuisine. The fruit, which looks like a bumpy cucumber is the part of the plant used medicinally. You can find the fruit at Asian markets.

Medicinal herbs : Properties and Uses

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Diabetonic Tissue Salts
Triple Complex Diabetonic Tissue Salts for Diabetes
Native Remedies
Certified Organic Blood Sugar Balance
Assists with supporting healty blood sugar levels. Contains: wildcrafted Devil's Club, Huckleberry leaf, Bitter Melon fruit
Mountain Rose Herbs
Black Seed with Bitter Melon
Amazing Herbs Black Seed Capsules with Bitter Melon is a high potency diabetic supplement.
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