Meta Information

ID:bitter-melon

Name:Bitter Melon

Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

• Momordica charantia
• Bitter Gourd
• Karela

Active Compound

Charantin, Vicine, Polypeptide-p

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Delivery

Route:

oral

Scope:

• systemic

Regulatory Status

• us:dietary_supplement
• food

Indication

Focus:

• healthspan
• symptom_management

Description:

Supports healthy blood glucose levels and metabolic function, relevant for managing pre-diabetes and promoting metabolic healthspan.

Typical Protocol

• 500-1000 mg of dried powder extract taken 1-3 times daily with meals.
• 50-100 mL of fresh juice consumed daily.
• Protocols are not standardized; dosages vary significantly based on preparation and intended effect.

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:

10

High Cost:

30

Cost Type:

monthly

Description:

Widely available as an inexpensive dietary supplement, not covered by insurance.

Summary

Bitter melon contains compounds that may mimic insulin's action, helping to lower blood glucose levels by increasing glucose uptake into cells. It may also activate the AMPK pathway, a key regulator of cellular energy and metabolism, which is a target for many healthspan interventions.

Purpose

A plant extract used to support healthy blood glucose and metabolic function.

Card Summary

A plant extract used to support healthy blood glucose levels.

Drug Class

null

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:

4.2

Justification:

Provides a targeted benefit for blood glucose regulation, a key aspect of metabolic healthspan.

Evidence

Grade:

B

Score:

5.5

Justification:

Supported by some human trials and meta-analyses, but results are often inconsistent.

Safety

Score:

3.8

Justification:

Generally safe but can cause GI distress and significant hypoglycemia with diabetes medications.

Flags

• May cause gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea and abdominal pain.
• High risk of hypoglycemia when combined with insulin or other diabetes medications.
• Contraindicated during pregnancy as it may induce uterine contractions.
• Long-term safety data is limited; potential for liver effects with high doses.

Verdict

A potential tool for blood glucose support, but with inconsistent evidence.

Created

2026-05-15T15:19:15.859368Z

Ai Model

Gemini 2.5 Pro (High)