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Bitter Melon Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings

Bitter melon possesses significant hypoglycaemic effect. The highest oral hypoglycaemic activity and the maximum improvement of the oral glucose tolerance were associated with the extract of Momordica charantia (bitter melon).
- J Ethnopharmacol 1984 Jul;11(2):223-31 -- Oral hypoglycaemic activity of some medicinal plants of Sri Lanka. -- Karunanayake EH, Welihinda J, Sirimanne SR, Sinnadorai G.

A water-soluble extract of the fruits significantly reduced blood glucose concentrations during a 50 g oral glucose tolerance test in diabetics. Doctors supervising diabetics should be aware of the fruit's hypoglycaemic properties.
- Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981 Jun 6;282(6279):1823-4 -- Improvement in glucose tolerance due to Momordica charantia (karela). -- Leatherdale BA, Panesar RK, Singh G, Atkins TW, Bailey CJ, Bignell AH.

High doses or highly concentrated usage may have adverse effects on general health.
- Eur J Cancer Prev 2000 Aug;9(4):283-8 -- Prevention of carcinogen-induced mouse skin papilloma by whole fruit aqueous extract of Momordica charantia. -- Ganguly C, De S, Das S.

Four clinical trials found bitter melon juice, fruit, and dried powder to have a moderate hypoglycemic effect. Reported adverse effects of bitter melon include hypoglycemic coma and convulsions in children, reduced fertility in mice, a favism-like syndrome, increases in gamma-glutamyltransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels in animals, and headaches. Bitter melon may have additive effects when taken with other glucose-lowering agents.
- Am J Health Syst Pharm 2003 Feb 15;60(4):356-9 -- Bitter melon (Momordica charantia): a review of efficacy and safety. -- Basch E, Gabardi S, Ulbricht C.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this material to diagnose or treat a health condition or disease without consulting with your healthcare provider.
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