Bitter Melon in Olive Oil
Momordica charantia
B Limited clinical evidenceA folk remedy of bitter melon steeped in olive oil. Small studies saw a modest fall in blood sugar; it has not been shown to heal ulcers.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
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At a glance
Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is a gourd. In Anatolia the ripe fruit is steeped in olive oil and used for stomach complaints; no clinical study supports this. Small clinical studies found bitter melon preparations modestly lowered blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, though less than medicines. It must not be used in pregnancy because of miscarriage risk.
Updated: October 15, 2026
ℹ Compiled from standard pharmacognosy references and clinical literature summaries where no formal EMA monograph exists.
What is it used for?
B Limited clinical evidence
Limited clinical evidence: Supported by small-scale human clinical studies, though sample size and study quality are limited.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Small clinical studies suggest it may help modestly lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used for stomach complaints; no effect on ulcers or gastritis has been shown. [1]
How is it used?
Food
Traditionally, swallow 1 seed with 1 dessertspoon of the oil on an empty stomach in the morning.
Amount: Once daily
Duration limit: 2 weeks
[1]Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 18 years
- Do not use in pregnancy: it may trigger contractions and miscarriage. Also avoid while breastfeeding.
- Blood sugar may fall dangerously in people on diabetes medicines.
- In G6PD deficiency (favism), vicine in the seeds can cause haemolytic anaemia.
- Ulcers and gastritis need diagnosis and treatment; seek urgent care for signs of stomach bleeding (black stools, bloody vomit).
- Do not give to children: low blood sugar and seizures after eating the seeds have been reported.
Drug interactions
| Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Diabetes medicines and insulin | May further lower blood sugar and cause hypoglycaemia. [2] | Major |
Side effects
- Abdominal pain, diarrhoea
- Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
- Haemolysis in G6PD deficiency
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
When ripe, bitter melon turns orange and bursts open to reveal seeds wrapped in bright red pulp. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Does bitter melon help ulcers?
No clinical study shows this; see a doctor for ulcers.
Does bitter melon lower blood sugar?
Small studies saw a modest fall; combined with diabetes medicines it risks hypoglycaemia.
Can I use bitter melon in pregnancy?
No, because of the risk of miscarriage.
Sources
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants (Volumes 1–4)World Health Organization · 2009
- EFSA Compendium of Botanicals Reported to Contain Naturally Occurring Substances of Possible ConcernEFSA · 2022
Cite This Page
Bitter Melon in Olive Oil (Momordica charantia). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/bitter-melon-in-olive-oil/
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