Bitter Melon / Charantin Extended
Momordica charantia (insulin plant)
Momordicin and charantin from bitter melon activate AMPK (same as metformin), lower blood glucose, and inhibit cancer cell proliferation in prostate, breast, colon, and leukemia cells. Since high blood glucose promotes cancer growth, bitter melon's insulin-sensitising effects are directly anti-cancer. Clinical studies show it reduces blood glucose comparably to metformin in Type 2 diabetes.
Medicinal Properties
Cancer Types Studied
Recommended Dosage
50–100 ml fresh bitter melon juice daily, or 500–1000 mg standardised extract.
Preparations
Fresh Karela Juice
50–100 ml fresh bitter melon juice in morning on empty stomach. Mix with apple juice to reduce bitterness.
Cooked Bitter Melon
Eat 1/2 bitter melon cooked daily in stir-fry or curry.
NIH / PubMed Research
Links open on PubMed (National Library of Medicine). Research is ongoing — results may not reflect clinical use.
Cautions & Interactions
- May cause severe hypoglycaemia with diabetes medications — monitor blood sugar
- Avoid in pregnancy — emmenagogue and abortifacient potential
- May cause haemolytic anaemia in G6PD deficiency
- Very bitter — tolerance builds with regular use
Related Herbs
Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before use.