Balsam Pear
Momordica charantia
Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter gourd, is a plant utilized extensively across various traditional medicine systems. It has been historically employed for a wide range of conditions, including diabetes, fever, malaria, dysentery, rheumatism, and abdominal complaints, as well as for topical applications on sores and burns. Scientific evidence suggests that supplementation may be associated with additional improvements in glycemic control, specifically affecting HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose levels when added to dual antidiabetic therapy. Some studies also indicate potential anti-proliferative effects in certain cell lines. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- vermifuge · leprosy
- Traditions
- traditional · Unani · TCM
- Best evidence
- B
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- vermifuge
- leprosy
- malaria
- fever
- diabetes
- dysentery
- rheumatism
- sores
- burns
- colic
- purgative
- refrigerant
- abdominal complaints
- asthma
- cold
What the science says
- Momordica charantia supplementation was associated with additional improvements in glycemic control compared to continuation of dual antidiabetic therapy alone, primarily affecting HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose.
- The study found that McCIPK6, a mitochondrial protein, positively regulates cold stress tolerance in bitter gourd by enhancing ROS scavenging and activating the CBF-dependent cold signaling pathway.
- The study developed a specific and sensitive LAMP assay for detecting Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. momordicae in bitter gourd.
- MAP30 significantly inhibited SK-Hep-1 cell proliferation and induced apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway.
- The optimized High-Pressure Processed Bitter Melon Leaf Extract showed enhanced phytochemical content, antioxidant activity, and selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells without affecting fibroblasts.
Frequently asked questions
What is Balsam Pear?
Balsam Pear (Momordica charantia) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Balsam Pear traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Balsam Pear for: vermifuge, leprosy, malaria, fever, diabetes, dysentery. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Balsam Pear?
Balsam Pear appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional, Unani, TCM.
What does the scientific evidence say about Balsam Pear?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Balsam Pear; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: Momordica charantia supplementation was associated with additional improvements in glycemic control compared to continuation of dual antidiabetic therapy alone, primarily affecting HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose.
How strong is the evidence for Balsam Pear?
The strongest finding for Balsam Pear carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Balsam Pear safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Balsam Pear in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Balsam Pear interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Balsam Pear in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Balsam Pear?
Balsam Pear is also known as: момордика харанция.
Is Balsam Pear a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Phytotherapeutic Supplementation with Momordica charantia: Beneficial Effects in Patients with Suboptimal Glycemic Control on Double Antidiabetic Therapy-A Real-World Evidence Observational Study. literature abstract metadata
- T2 MAP30, a type Ⅰ ribosome-inactivating protein, inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma by inducing apoptosis through mitochondria. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Establishment of a Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Method for the Detection of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. momordicae. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Characterization of McCIPK6, a mitochondrial protein, positively regulating cold stress tolerance in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.). literature abstract metadata
- T2 Box-Behnken Design Optimization of High-Pressure Processed Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) Leaf Extract Enhancing Phytochemicals, Anticancer, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities. literature abstract metadata