Momordica Charantia
| Pinyin: ku gua | Latin: |
Description:Momordica charantia is a fast-growing, trailing or climbing vine with thin stems and tendrils.
The fruit that grows on the vine is what is used in traditional Chinese medicine.
The fruit is oblong to cylindrical in shape, orange to red in color, and prickly to the touch.
Momordica Charantia is also called bitter melon. It is often used as both a food and medicin in the tropics and has a long history of use in Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
Information:
Cucurbitaceae
Kidney, Liver
Bitter
The immature fruits are a good source of vitamin C and provide some vitamin A, phosphorus, and iron. It is a very popular plant, because Momordica charantia has been used by natives for cancer, diabetes, malaria, antiviral properties and to support many infectious diseases. It has also been used for those that suffer from HIV.
Supporting medical research: [British Medical Journal-Clinical Research 282(6279); 1823-4 1981 June 6; see also J Ethnopharmacol 2003; 88(1): 107-111; Acta Biologica et Medica Germanica 41(12):1229-40 1982; and Jiratchariyakul, W., et al. "HIV inhibitor from Thai bitter gourd." Planta Med. 2001 Jun; 67(4): 350-3].
Momordica fruit is contraindicated in women who are pregnant.
