Bitter Melon

Limited human data suggest bitter melon may help lower blood sugar, but high-quality studies are needed. Evidence for cancer and viral infections is primarily from lab studies, lacking human trials.

Benefits

May help lower blood sugar
exhibits antioxidant
antimutagenic
antiviral
and antitumor properties in lab studies.

Key compounds

Charantinpolypeptide-pcucurbitanesalkaloidssaponinspolyphenolsflavonoidstriterpenesvitamin Cvitamin A

Best for these goals

May help lower blood sugarexhibits antioxidantantimutagenicantiviraland antitumor properties in lab studies.

How to use it

Juice, extracts, fruit (food)

Evidence level

Limited

Cautions & interactions

May cause gastrointestinal symptoms, irregular heartbeat, gastric ulcer, or severe kidney injury. Contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential birth defects. Vicine from seeds is toxic. | Interactions: May have additive effects with insulin and diabetes medications. May increase concentration and toxicity of P-gp and CYP450 substrate drugs.

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Educational information only — not medical advice, and not evaluated by the FDA. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to a qualified healthcare provider before using any ingredient therapeutically, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

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