PubMed Studies
8
About
Bitter melon contains charantin, vicine, and polypeptide-p with insulin-mimetic properties. Used for type 2 diabetes management.
How it works (mechanism of action)
Charantin activates PPAR-alpha and PPAR-gamma nuclear receptors. Polypeptide-p acts as insulin mimetic via insulin receptor. MAP30 (ribosome-inactivating protein) inhibits viral integrase. Vicine is toxic in G6PD deficiency causing haemolytic anaemia.
📊 Effectiveness
Blood sugar control
Evidence Grade B · 18 studies · n=2,200
Antidiabetic effect
Evidence Grade B · 14 studies · n=1,400
Evidence grades: A=Strong RCT evidence · B=Good clinical trials · C=Limited trials · D=Preliminary/traditional
👥 Safety by Population
🚫 Contraindications & Warnings
Hypoglycaemia risk. Pregnancy: avoid (abortifacient). G6PD deficiency: avoid (causes haemolytic anaemia).
💊 Drug Interactions (2)
🟡 Antidiabetic drugs
ModerateAntidiabetic
Management: Monitor blood glucose closely.
🟡 Insulin
ModerateAntidiabetic
Management: Adjust insulin doses if needed.
🇪🇺 EU Health Claims Status
Art.13(1)
✓ AuthorisedNon-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
Regulation EU 1924/2006 · ART13 1
Products containing this ingredient (1)
Diabecon Blood Sugar
100 MG Tablet
🏷️ Other Names
Momordica charantia