Bitter Melon (balsam apple, balsam pear, bitter apple, bitter cucumber, bitter gourd, karela, lakwa, margose, momordica charantia, wild cucumber)
Classes: Metabolic & Endocrine, Herbals
Suggested dosing of Balsam apple, balsam pear (bitter melon)
Diabetes
50-100 mL qD Or
900 mg of fruit TId
Suggested uses of Balsam apple, balsam pear (bitter melon)
Diabetes, psoriasis, GI upset, anti-microbial, HIV, cancer, fertility, skin diseases
Efficacy
Preliminary research shows that it decreases blood glucose & HgbA1C in type 2 diabetes
Balsam apple, balsam pear (bitter melon) adverse (side) effects
Not specified
Warnings
Contraindications
Pregnancy
Cautions
Concomitant hypoglycemic medications
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: X
Lactation: N/A
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Balsam apple, balsam pear (bitter melon)
Metabolism: N/A
Excretion: N/A
Mechanism of action
Polypeptide P: insulin-like properties (onset 30-60min; peak 4 hours)
Also has anticancer proteins
