Origin

It is widely cultivated in Asia, Africa and South America.

Momordica charantia has a non-nitrogenous neutral principle charantin, and on hydrolysis gives glucose and a sterol. The fruit pulp of M. charantia has soluble pectin but no free pectic acid. Galactouronic acid is also obtained from the pulp. M.charantia fruits glycosides, saponins, alkaloids, reducing sugars, resins, phenolic constituents, fixed oil and free acids.
The presence of an unidentified alkaloid and 5-hydroxytryotamine is also reported. The 5HT content is reported to be present. The ether extract residue of the alcoholic concentrate from the leaves of M. charantia is reported to reveal hypoglycemic activity comparable to that of tolbutamide. The pure protein termed as P-insulin extracted from M. charantia fruits in crystalline form is also tested.

Pharmacology
Oral administration of fresh fruit juice (dose, 6 c.c. /kg. body wt.) lowered the blood sugar level in normal and alloxan-diabetic rabbits. Oral administration of alcoholic extracts of the plant to some diabetic patients did not produce any hypoglycaemic action. p-Insulin,a polypeptide from the fruits and seeds rapidly decreased and normalized the blood sugar level in rats.

The fruit juice and/or a leaf tea is employed for diabetes, colic, sores and wounds,infections, worms and parasites, as an emmenogogue, and for measles, hepatitis, and fevers.Bitter melon was traditionally used for numerous infections, cancer, and diabetes purpose.

The proper dosage is one small, unripe, raw melon or about 50 ml of fresh juice, each taken in 2 or 3 doses over the course of the day. The only problem is that bitter melon tastes extremely bitter