Home/Ingredients/Bitter Melon (Momordica)

Bitter Melon (Momordica)

Blood sugar support

Moderate evidenceVegan37 studies on PubMedRead the research
Written to our editorial standards · reviewed against published research· Updated 30 May 2026
Last reviewed: May 30, 2026

Bitter Melon: Blood sugar support. A traditional Asian fruit studied for supporting healthy blood sugar through compounds that mimic insulin's action. Standard dose 500-1,000 mg, taken in the midday, about $14/month. Evidence rating: moderate evidence.

Where to buy

Nutricost Bitter Melon
Recommended
Nutricost, Bitter Melon
500-1,000 mg · Midday · ~$14/month

suppdoc.io is an affiliate. Links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.

All product options

Nutricost Bitter MelonBestseller
Bitter Melon
Nutricost
120 capsules · $16 · ★ 4.5
Buy on iHerb →
Himalaya Bitter Melon (Karela)Best Value
Bitter Melon (Karela)
Himalaya
60 caplets · $13 · ★ 4.5
Buy on iHerb →
Solaray Bitter MelonPremium
Bitter Melon
Solaray
100 veg caps · $14 · ★ 4.4
Buy on iHerb →
Swanson Bitter MelonPremium
Bitter Melon
Swanson
60 capsules · $9 · ★ 4.4
Buy on iHerb →

What is Bitter Melon?

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is a knobbly green gourd used as both food and medicine across Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, traditionally for blood sugar. It contains compounds, including charantin and an insulin-like protein, that appear to improve how cells take up glucose. Clinical trials are mixed but several show modest reductions in blood-sugar markers, positioning it as a gentle metabolic support rather than a replacement for medication. Anyone already on blood-sugar-lowering drugs should monitor for additive effects, and it should be avoided in pregnancy. It is taken as the dried fruit, juice, or a standardized extract, commonly 500 to 1000 mg before meals.

A traditional Asian fruit studied for supporting healthy blood sugar through compounds that mimic insulin's action.

Best for your goal

Other specialty

Elderberry Extract
Immune support · seasonal
Berberine HCl
Blood sugar · metabolic health · gut
Milk Thistle (Silymarin)
Liver support · antioxidant
ZMA (Zn + Mg + B6)
Sleep · recovery · testosterone (male)

Common questions

What is Bitter Melon?
Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is a knobbly green gourd used as both food and medicine across Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, traditionally for blood sugar. It contains compounds, including charantin and an insulin-like protein, that appear to improve how cells take up glucose. Clinical trials are mixed but several show modest reductions in blood-sugar markers, positioning it as a gentle metabolic support rather than a replacement for medication. Anyone already on blood-sugar-lowering drugs should monitor for additive effects, and it should be avoided in pregnancy. It is taken as the dried fruit, juice, or a standardized extract, commonly 500 to 1000 mg before meals.
What is Bitter Melon used for?
Blood sugar support. A traditional Asian fruit studied for supporting healthy blood sugar through compounds that mimic insulin's action.
What is the standard dose of Bitter Melon?
500-1,000 mg, typically taken in the midday. Approximate cost is $14 per month.
Who should avoid Bitter Melon?
Use extra caution, and speak to a clinician first, if you are pregnant or nursing.
How strong is the evidence for Bitter Melon?
Moderate evidence for its primary uses. See the full study list on the research page.

Not sure if Bitter Melon is right for you?

Take our quiz. We'll compose a personalised stack that fits your goals, body, and budget, in minutes.

Take the quiz →