Bitter Melon (Capsules) NO prescription required |
| Name | Strength | Quantity | Price | ||||
| Brand | 450mg | 120 Capsules (Westcoast) | $24.99 | Buy | |||
| Brand | 450mg | 2 x 120 Capsules (Westcoast) | $39.99 | Buy |
All prices in USD
Bitter Melon, also known as Karela or Momordica Charantia is a herb that helps regulate blood sugar levels and keeps body functions operating normally. It contains Gurmarin, a polypeptide considered to be similar to bovine insulin, which has been shown in experimental studies to achieve a positive sugar regulating effect by suppressing the neural response to sweet taste stimuli. Karela's principle constituents are lectins, charantin and momordicine. The fruits have long been used in India as a folk remedy for diabetes mellitus. Lectins from the bitter gourd have shown significant antilipolytic and lipogenic activities.
To Support and Promote:
Healthy Sugar Levels
Proper Glucose Tolerance
Natural Insulin Production
Bitter melon has been observed to have blood sugar-lowering effects, but there is only limited research specifically using bitter melon in humans. Bitter melon juice, fruit and dried powder have been used to moderate hypoglycemic effects in small, poorly designed studies. It is not clear what dose may be safe and effective. Bitter melon should not be use by patients with diabetes unless they are closely supervised by a qualified health care provider. Some studies suggest that a component of bitter melon seeds may provide benefits for HIV by preventing the virus from infecting human cells. However, these studies have been conducted only in laboratory settings, and no research has been done in humans. Therefore, it is unclear whether there is any benefit from bitter melon in people infected with HIV. Early studies suggest that one of the components of bitter melon extract may be effective in slowing the growth or spread of some types of cancer, particularly breast cancer. Cervical cancer patients (stage II or III) have shown some evidence of immune system response to bitter melon while undergoing radiotherapy in one poorly described study. Research in humans is limited, and more proven therapies are recommended at this time. Further study is needed before a recommendation can be made.
Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and dietary supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products containing or claiming to contain bitter melon.
People should avoid bitter melon if they have a known allergy to bitter melon or any member of the Cucurbitaceae (gourd or melon) plant families. This includes Persian melon, honeydew, casaba, muskmelon and cantaloupe. Signs of allergy include rash, itching or shortness of breath. Bitter melon has been well tolerated in studies. Some people may experience headaches. Bitter melon may also decrease blood sugar levels. Caution is advised if you take prescription drugs to control your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes and are considering using bitter melon, you should discuss this with your health care provider. People who have been diagnosed with glucose-6-phosphate deficiency (most common in persons of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern descent) may experience adverse effects, such as headache, fever, stomach pain or even coma because of an inability to break down a component of bitter melon seeds. Other reported adverse effects are convulsions in children, reduced fertility (in mice studies), a favism-like syndrome and increases in gamma-glutamyltransferases and alkaline phosphatase blood levels (in animal studies). Bitter melon cannot be recommended during pregnancy or breast-feeding because of the risk of birth defects or spontaneous abortion. Bitter melon may affect the ability to get pregnant. Bitter melon may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised if you are also taking prescription drugs that may lower blood sugar levels. Patients taking oral drugs for diabetes or using insulin should be monitored closely by their health care provider while using bitter melon. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.
