Family : Cucurbitaceae

Plant parts used : Dried Fruits.

Chemical constituents : A non-nitrogenous neutral principle called charantin in the form of bitters is the main constituent in Momordica charantia.  On hydrolysis, it gives glucose and a sterol. The fruit pulp of Momordica charantia contains soluble pectin and Galactouronic acid. The fruit also contain glycosides, saponins, alkaloids, reducing sugars, resins, phenolic constituents, fixed oil and free acids.

Pharmacology : The fresh juice of Momordica charantia lowered the blood sugar level in normal and alloxan-diabetic rabbits. The alcoholic extracts of the plant showed in  some diabetic patients that it stopped production of any hypoglycaemic action. p-Insulin,a polypeptide from the fruits and seeds rapidly decreased and normalized the blood sugar level in rats.

Therapeutic uses : The juice of fresh fruit or Tea from its leaf is used for controlling diabetes, colic, sores and wounds, infections, worms and parasites.  They are also used as an emmenogogue, and for measles, hepatitis, and fevers.