Balsam Pear
Momordica charantia
Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter gourd or bitter melon, is a traditional plant used in various Asian and African cuisines. Traditionally, it has not been extensively documented for medicinal use across different cultures. Scientific evidence suggests that supplementation with Momordica charantia may provide additional benefits for glycemic control, particularly affecting HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose levels. However, the strength of this evidence is limited by the scope and number of studies conducted. The plant has also shown potential in enhancing cold stress tolerance through mitochondrial protein regulation and developing specific assays for detecting pathogens like Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. momordicae. Notably, there are no major safety concerns or recorded drug interactions associated with Momordica charantia use.
- Best evidence
- B
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
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 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
- 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