Superfoods & Botanicals
Bitter Melon (Karela)
Also known as: Momordica charantia · Karela · Bitter gourd · Balsam pear
A tropical vegetable with hypoglycaemic properties from multiple compounds: charantin (AMPK activator), polypeptide-P (plant insulin analogue), and vicine (glucose-lowering). Used widely in Asian diabetes management.
Effective Dose
2000–5000mg / day
per clinical evidence
Evidence Level
Moderate
Superfoods & Botanicals
Mechanism
Charantin AMPK activation, vicine/polypeptide-P insulin mimesis
primary action
Best For
Blood sugar
Insulin sensitivity, Weight management
This profile is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications.
What Is Bitter Melon (Karela)?
Bitter melon contains at least three pharmacologically active compounds: charantin (steroid glycoside activating AMPK and GLUT4 expression), polypeptide-P (a plant peptide with structural similarity to bovine insulin), and vicine (which lowers blood glucose via uncertain mechanism). It has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for diabetes for centuries.
How It Works: The Science
Charantin activates AMPK (similar to berberine and metformin), increasing GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake in muscle. Polypeptide-P may weakly activate insulin receptors in the gut and peripherally. Bitter melon also inhibits alpha-glucosidase and promotes hepatic glycogen synthesis.
Primary Mechanism
Charantin AMPK activation, vicine/polypeptide-P insulin mimesis
Evidence-Based Benefits
Dosage Guide
Effective Dose
2000–5000mg / day
2000–5000mg dried fruit powder or 50–200ml fresh juice daily. High variability in active compound content between products — standardised extracts preferred.
Safety Profile & Side Effects
May cause hypoglycaemia with diabetes medications — monitor blood glucose. GI upset (nausea, diarrhoea) common — start at low doses. Raw seeds contain vicine — toxic in G6PD deficiency. Avoid during pregnancy.
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Take It
Those with T2D or pre-diabetes wanting a food-based, multi-mechanism blood glucose supplement. Often combined with berberine and gymnema for comprehensive blood sugar management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Ingredients
Medical Disclaimer
Ingredient profiles are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications. Full disclaimer →