Bitter Melon









Bitter Melon


Natural product category
Herb
What is this natural product used for?
Bitter melon is used to lower blood sugar and has also been reported to have antiviral properties in individuals with HIV infection.
How does it work?
At least three groups of compounds in bitter melon have blood sugar-lowering properties. They may work together or independently by either directly affecting glucose use by the liver, or by affecting carbohydrates. Other groups of compounds in this herb have been shown to affect the AIDS virus; however, this is still very preliminary information.
How is it best taken?
  • Take 30 minutes before eating. Take at the same time each day.
  • Take this product with a full glass of water.
  • Take this product at a similar time every day.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this natural product?
  • Check medicines and natural products with healthcare provider. This natural product may not mix well with other medicines or natural products.
  • Do not use in children 12 years of age or younger without approval from healthcare provider.
  • If you have diabetes, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Keep hard candies, liquid glucose, or milk on hand for low blood sugars.
  • Use with caution if you are a transplant recipient, if you are taking therapeutic immunosuppression, or if you have an autoimmune condition.
  • You may need potassium supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicines or natural products. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust while taking this product.
  • Do not use if you are breast-feeding.
What are the possible side effects of this natural product?
  • Belly pain and cramps.
  • Mild nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
What should I monitor?
  • Check blood sugar as directed by healthcare provider.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider on a regular basis.
Reasons to call healthcare provider
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Changes in thinking clearly and logically.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
How should I store this natural product?
  • Store in original container at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
Plant part used
Fruit
Dosage forms
Oral
Drug interactions
Insulin, oral hypoglycemics, medicines used to treat HIV
General statements
Under current law in the United States, herbal supplements are classified as dietary supplements and fall under the regulations of the food service industry. This includes the manufacturing practices imposed by the local agriculture departments for food manufacturers. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are currently not required by the FDA, yet many companies follow GMPs, and the industry is improving self-imposed practices. Use herbs with extreme caution in the following groups:
  • Children younger than 2 years of age
  • Pregnant or lactating women; some herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy, make sure to observe warnings.
  • If you are taking pharmaceutical medications (prescription and others), always review for potential herb-drug interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • If you are taking other natural products, always review for potential herb-herb, or herb-natural product interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • Individuals having known allergies to plants. If you fall into this category, speak with your healthcare provider before using an herbal product. Both large doses of herbs and herbs taken over a long period of time may increase the risk for adverse effects. Many herbs, due to a variety of their chemical ingredients, may cause temporary adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach distress.
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