Scientifically termed as momordica charantia and generally known as karela, cerasee, balsam pear and bitter gourd, bitter melon is a vine that can reach up to 6 feet in height. Bitter melon is native to southern Asia and is produced in warm-weather regions worldwide. The primary part of the plant that is used medicinally is the fruit but the vines, seeds and leaves have all been used in herbal medicine as well.

For infections caused by retroviruses, bitter melon serves as a useful agent. Additionally, studies on bitter melon are being performed to determine if the chemicals with it can be used in the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Throughout the world, bitter melon remains a choice among many herbalists to treat diabetes. In folk medicine, the herb also served as treatment for fever, flu and colds and traditionally, it has been used to treat skin diseases, worms, digestive disorders and parasites.

Biter melon improves glucose tolerance and also improves the body's ability to use blood sugar. One animal study suggested that the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas can be renewed and recovered with bitter melon fruit juice.

Bitter melon is used throughout the world as an alternative treatment for diabetes. In clinical laboratory tests, the herb has been shown to reduce rises in blood sugar levels after meals as well as lower fasting blood-sugar levels. Polypeptide-p is a chemical constituent found in bitter melon, which can lower blood-sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes. While the herb does not serve as a complete replacement for insulin, it can replace some of the insulin injected daily by diabetics because it doesn't stimulate the movement of fat into fat cells like insulin does. In treating type 1 diabetes, polypeptide-p is only effective when injected.

Charantin is another chemical component found in bitter melon that can be effective in type 2 diabetes treatment. It works by stimulating the production of insulin by the pancreas and when compared to a common prescription drug called tolbutamide (Orinase), it is dose for dose more effective. Certain tests also indicate that bitter melon may also reduce oxidative stress caused by diabetes, which can result in LDL cholesterol being converted to atherosclerotic plaques.

Bitter melon extracts are more effective at killing strains of herpes viruses that are not resistant to acyclovir than the well-known prescription drug by two to three fold. In cases of strains that are resistant to acyclovir, bitter melon is 100 to 1,000 times more effective. Bitter melon may also be useful in treating chronic fatigue syndrome as well because the condition is connected to herpes infections.

Bitter melon can easily be found in an Asian food market. It can be taken in whole fruit form or as a momordica extract, juice or tincture. The tincture form should not be used to treat diabetes as  that form will not lower blood-sugar levels. For best results in treating diabetes, try supplementing bitter melon with the herb gurmar (gymnema sylvestre).

* Important notes: Those with cirrhosis, hypoglycemia, a history of hepatitis or with HIV/AIDS and a history of liver infection should avoid bitter melon. Pregnant women should not use the herb either. Excessive amounts can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea.