What Are The Side Effects Of Herbal Bitter Melon?

What Are the Side Effects of Herbal Bitter Melon?

Jun 15, 2010 | By Tiffany Adams

Bitter melon is a plant that is commonly eaten in curried dishes in India and is widely used to treat type 2 diabetes. The fruit, seed and leaf extracts contain plant insulin, which acts similarly to human insulin. Herbal supplements such as bitter melon--along with a healthy diet and exercise--can contribute to good health. However, there is only preliminary evidence of the safety and efficacy of bitter melon, so please consult a doctor before using this or any naturopathic treatment.

Hypoglycemia

According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, bitter melon lowers blood glucose levels in several ways, including inhibiting the liver's process of converting food into glucose and by boosting the insulin secretion from the pancreas.This mechanism can cause blood sugar levels to become dangerously low, especially for those who also take other medications and supplements for diabetes. Signs of low blood sugar include excessive hunger and cool, clammy skin. Diabetics who take bitter melon should have careful blood glucose monitoring under a physcian's care.

Favism

Vicine found in bitter melon seeds is related to a similar compound in fava beans that produces toxic effects in people who have glucose-6-phosphate dehydronase deficiency, or G6PD deficiency. Favism is marked by sudden destruction of red blood cells, headaches and abdominal cramps after the ingestion of fava beans. The syndrome has been observed in people who ingested bitter melon seeds according to a June 2009 study published in Chinese Medicine.

Upset Stomach and Other Condiderations

Bitter melon extract is generally well-tolerated in doses of up to one gram per day for up to three months for adults, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, but there have been reports of heartburn, upset stomach and diarrhea described by the online medical research publisher, The Cochrane Library in 2010. Bitter melon seeds are associated with headaches, fever and coma. Bitter melon fruit has caused miscarriage in animal studies and should be avoided by pregnant women.