Bitter Melon
OTHER NAME(S): bitter gourd, bitter melon, Momordica charantia
Overview
Bitter melon is a fruiting vine called Momordica charantia. It is used as a food and flavoring in some regions of the world. Dietary supplements that contain bitter melon may be made from all parts of the plant. These products may be used to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, but their benefits for any use are not well defined. Common side effects include constipation, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, or upset stomach. Before taking bitter melon, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is bitter melon used for?
Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is sometimes used to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, but its benefits for any use are not well defined.
Note: The FDA has not reviewed bitter melon for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does bitter melon work (mechanism of action)?
Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd, is a vine called Momordica charantia. As the name implies, this vine produces a bitter-tasting fruit. The fruit, leaves, and shoots of the plant contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and are used as foods and flavoring in some parts of the world. Dietary supplements containing bitter melon may contain various parts of the plant, including the fruit, leaves, roots, and shoots.
In addition to its nutritional properties, bitter melon contains chemicals that may have effects on the body. Some of these chemicals may help reduce swelling (inflammation) and make your body more sensitive to insulin. But research on taking bitter melon to lower blood sugar levels is mixed. Some studies show that it may help, while other studies do not. Even in studies that do show benefit, bitter melon does not seem to lower blood sugar levels by a meaningful amount. It also does not seem to lower blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
Herbal products, such as bitter melon, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific bitter melon product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.
How should I store bitter melon?
You should store bitter melon according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of bitter melon?
The most common side effects of bitter melon are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Upset stomach
There may be other side effects of bitter melon that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of bitter melon?
While less common, the most serious side effects of bitter melon are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Bitter melon may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking bitter melon and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use bitter melon?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take bitter melon.
- Bitter gourd
- Bitter melon
- Momordica charantia
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific bitter melon products they stock.
What should I know about bitter melon before using it?
Bitter melon is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep bitter melon out of the reach of children.
Herbal products, such as bitter melon, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific bitter melon product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
Bitter melon is available in many different forms, including as a liquid extract, tea, and capsule. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.
Bitter melon may be made from different parts of the plant, including the fruit, roots, leaves, and shoots. Each of these plant parts contains different chemicals that may have different effects on the body. It is important to read the label to see which part of the plant was used to make that product.
The FDA has not tested bitter melon products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using bitter melon?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if bitter melon is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
Other Medicines and Supplements.Bitter melon may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking bitter melon, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how bitter melon could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if bitter melon passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does bitter melon interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between bitter melon and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect bitter melon.
Does bitter melon interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using a medicine for diabetes.
The interactions between bitter melon and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with bitter melon is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking bitter melon with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much bitter melon?
If you or someone else has used too much bitter melon, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Bitter melon is available in many different forms that may be made from different parts of the plant. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to take bitter melon safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- Food Production, Processing and Nutrition: “A comprehensive review on bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) as a gold mine of functional bioactive components for therapeutic foods.”
- Frontiers in Nutrition: “The metabolic effect of Momordica charantia cannot be determined based on the available clinical evidence: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.”
- Heliyon: “Effects of Momordica charantia L. supplementation on glycemic control and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.”
- Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice: “Dangerous interaction of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) with pazopanib: A case of acute pancreatitis.”
- LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]: “Bitter Melon.”
- Medicine (Baltimore): “Acute interstitial nephritis associated with ingesting a Momordica charantia extract: A case report.”
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: “Bitter Melon.”
- Nutrition and Diabetes: “The effect of bitter melon (Mormordica charantia) in patients with diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.”