Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter melon, is a fruit from the Cucurbitaceae family that is found in tropical areas throughout the world. It has been known as a âhealing foodâ in traditional circles. Bitter melon is exceptionally dense with micronutrients known for their hypoglycemic effects including charantin, cucurbutanoids, momordicin, oleanolic acids and insulin-like peptide (plant (p)-insulin), the latter being structurally similar to bovine insulin. Other micronutrients found in M. charantia include vitamins A and C, beta-carotene, iron, phosphorus and potassium.Â
Technical insights:
- Country of origin: China
- Part used: Fruit of bitter melon (Momordica charantia)
- Solvent for extraction: Water
- Stored form: Yellow-brown fine powder