A tropical gourd used in Asian cooking.
Why it’s used: Traditionally used to support normal blood sugar.
Bitter melon, Momordica charantia, is a tropical climbing vine whose knobbly green fruit looks like a warty cucumber. It is also known as bitter gourd or karela, and it is grown across India, China, South-East Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. As the name suggests, it is one of the most bitter vegetables eaten anywhere.
It is a common ingredient in Asian cooking, often stir-fried, stuffed or added to curries and soups, and it is traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese practice to support normal blood sugar. Its compounds of interest include charantin, polypeptide-p and vicine. Researchers have studied bitter melon in small trials, but the evidence is limited and NCCIH says research has not shown it to be effective for diabetes. It has no authorised health claim.
On labels you will see bitter melon, bitter gourd, karela or Momordica charantia fruit extract, sometimes with an extract ratio. It is often combined with other traditional herbs such as gymnema, cinnamon or fenugreek.
3 findings behind this ingredient. Hover a card for the detail and the source.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of eight randomised controlled trials with 423 people with type 2 diabetes. Bitter melon reduced fasting glucose by 0.85 mmol/L and HbA1c by 0.38% versus control, but did not change triglycerides, HDL or LDL.
Meta-analysis of 25 randomised controlled trials (34 sub-studies) in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Bitter melon significantly lowered fasting glucose, HbA1c, insulin and HOMA-IR, with no effect on HOMA-β.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of ten studies with 1,045 people with type 2 diabetes, lasting 4–16 weeks. Bitter melon lowered fasting and after-meal glucose and HbA1c versus placebo, though the evidence was rated low to very low quality.
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Yes. Karela is the Hindi name for bitter melon, Momordica charantia. It is also called bitter gourd. The same plant is eaten as a vegetable and used in supplements as a dried powder or concentrated extract.
No. Research has not shown bitter melon to be an effective treatment for diabetes, and it should never replace prescribed medicine. It may add to the effect of diabetes medicines, so speak to your GP or pharmacist before taking both.
In Asian and Caribbean cooking it is sliced and stir-fried, stuffed, pickled, added to curries or juiced. Salting and rinsing it first can soften the bitterness. Supplements offer a concentrated, measured form without the strong taste.
Information only, not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.
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