Bitter melon is a type of vegetable, completely edible. This plant is common to Asia, Africa, and parts of the Caribbean. It has a long history of use throughout cultures (and cuisines) within India and China, dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Bitter melon was incorporated into Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), along with Ayurveda practices.
It may confuse people to know that the ‘gourd’ of the plant is referred to as a fruit – and extracts or supplements for bitter melon will often label them as ‘fruit extract’ or ‘fruit powder.’
Don’t let this complicate thing. The plant itself is still a vegetable, while the gourds or fruiting bodies are referred to as fruit themselves.
Bitter melon contains many nutrients that are beneficial to your health. Bitter melon is considered a complementary or alternative medicine. Therefore, the use of bitter melon isn’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of diabetes or any other medical condition. It’s linked to lowering blood sugar, which some studies suggest means it can aid in type-2 diabetes treatment.
Bitter melon is often incorporated into various dishes as a relative of the cucumber. Still, it can also be supplemented in the form of an extract or powder (usually around 400 mg – 500 mg). It is best known for its ability to lower blood sugar (hypoglycemic), which has been the subject of countless clinical trials.
These trials and studies have consistently found the fruit, stem, and extract to exert “moderate hypoglycemic effects,” while reducing symptoms of metabolic disorder.
What does this mean for those with diabetes? Can bitter melon actually help to treat type II diabetes?
- There are plenty of bioactive compounds within bitter melon, believed to be responsible for its blood sugar lowering, and anti-hypertensive effects. These include phenols, glycosides, saponins, peptides, alkaloids, and triterpenes.
- The specific compounds responsible for the anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive effects have been studied and well documented. These include: tannic acid, caffeic acid, epicatechin, and gallic acid.
- Findings both within human studies and animal studies confirm its benefit as an anti-diabetic supplement. It has been documented to lower blood sugar levels and help to regulate the body’s use of insulin.
- Bitter melon can help to manage symptoms such as insulin resistance, kidney damage, glaucoma or eye disorders related to type 2 diabetes, blood vessel damage and hypertension, and hormonal irregularities in women.
Are There Risks or Side Effects of Bitter Melon?
As mentioned in this one study, bitter melon may have cumulative or ‘additive’ effects when combined with other glucose-lowering supplements or medication.
This means those already on prescription medication for type II diabetes (or supplemental medication, like herbal extracts) need to consult with a healthcare professional, physician, or naturopath prior to use. Bitter melon, when combined with these medications, has the potential to cause dangerously low glucose levels.
It is not recommended for pregnant women, or those breastfeeding. It appears to have some anti-fertility-like impact when taken at larger doses – and can increase the risk of miscarriage. Of course, bitter melon is no replacement for insulin. However, it can be used healthfully as an additional therapy option for those with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or obesity.
How to Use Bitter Melon, and Recommended Dosage
Given that bitter melon is commonly consumed throughout cultures across Asia and the Caribbean – it is generally quite safe. However, more attention must be given when supplementing with bitter melon (like all herbal supplements). As you are taking a highly concentrated form.
Most research seems to indicate 1,000 mg – 2,000 mg (1g – 2g) when taken daily. To be the most effective for diabetes and metabolic syndrome. This is commonly split into 2-3 doses throughout the day and taken with meals. Most capsules will come in 400 mg – 500 mg doses. So you will need to adjust accordingly based on the brand you purchase.
The amount has also been shown to be safe when taken for up to 6 months. Provided you aren’t currently on any medication that lowers glucose/blood sugar (or have been cleared by a healthcare professional), there should be no issue taking doses within this range short-term. For anything longer, we always recommend consulting with a professional – close monitoring for changes in symptoms or gradual improvement is always recommended.