Scientific Name: Momordica charantia
English Name: Bitter melon, bitter gourd
Bangla Name: korolla
Description: This herbaceous, tendril-bearing vine grows up to 5 m (16 ft) in length. Each plant bears separate yellow male and female flowers. The fruit has a distinct warty exterior and an oblong shape.
Chemistry: Some of the chemicals identified in the seed and leaves of the plant include Karaviloside , Kuguacin A, B, E, etc.
Medicinal use: The plant has a number of purported uses including cancer prevention, treatment of diabetes, fever, HIV and AIDS, and infections. For fever reduction and relief of menstrual problems, there is no scientific research to back these claims. For cancer prevention, HIV and AIDS, and treatment of infections, there is preliminary laboratory research, but no clinical studies in humans showing a benefit. With regard to the use of Momordica charantia for diabetes, several animal studies and small-scale human studies have demonstrated a hypoglycemic effect of concentrated bitter melon extracts. In addition, a 2014 review shows evidence that Momordica charantia, when consumed in raw or juice form, can be efficacious in lowering blood glucose levels. Bitter melon is contraindicated in pregnant women because it can induce bleeding, contractions, and miscarriage.
