Native to India and China, bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is a food commonly consumed. The vegetable plant is also cultivated in North & South America. It belongs to the cucurbit family.
In addition to its use as a food, bitter melon has long been traditionally used as a medicinal plant.
Ingredients
Bitter melons contain water, lipids, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and alkaloids. Possible active ingredients are charantin, polypeptide-P and vicin.
Application
As a medicinal plant, it is used for various ailments. For example, it can have a beneficial effect on constipation, stomach problems or liver problems.
Their antidiabetic property is particularly interesting. However, too little data is available on its use in the treatment of diabetes.