Laboratory research indicates that both bitter melon and green tea contain natural chemicals that may have health benefits, such as cancer prevention and treatment. A 2007 article in the "Journal of Natural Products" notes that bitter melon has anti-cancer phytochemicals called cucurbitane-type triterpenoids. Green tea also has cancer-fighting agents. But these are polyphenols called catechins, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Green Tea
Green tea is composed of the gently steamed and dried leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis, which is originally from East Asia. Because it undergoes less processing than black or oolong tea, green tea has a higher proportion of polyphenols. The primary polyphenol in green tea is a flavonoid called epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCg. Green tea is a good source of vitamins C, D and K and riboflavin. It also contains iron, calcium, magnesium and caffeine, according to Michael T. Murray, author of the 2005 book, "The Encyclopedia of Healthy Food."
Bitter Melon
The odd-looking bitter melon is the fruit of a tropical bush, Momordica charantia. Other names for this fruit are balsam apple, bitter gourd and karela. Bitter melon tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves and is available for purchase online and in health-food stores. The fruit is used in East Indian cuisine, primarily savory dishes. Each 100-g serving of bitter melon has 44 calories, 5 g of protein, 300 mg of calcium and vitamins A and C, according to the National Bitter Melon Council's website.
Bitter Melon and Green Tea for Cancer
In a study published in a 2011 issue of the "Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention," scientists examined the effects of green tea extract on breast carcinogenesis in mice. GTE lowered the incidence of mammary tumors and inhibited breast-cancer cell proliferation. The "Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention" also published a 2010 study in which bitter melon fruit and leaf extracts showed the potential to prevent and treat melanoma in animals. Consult a qualified health care professional before using herbs to treat any disease, including cancer.
Safety and Considerations
Tannins in green tea could affect your body's ability to absorb iron, so let your physician know that you are using green tea if you are iron deficient. Also, green tea tannins may affect the assimilation of atropine and codeine. Do not take bitter melon if you are pregnant or nursing. If you are taking a medication for diabetes, talk to your physician before adding bitter melon to your regimen, as it can affect blood-glucose levels.
References
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Bitter Melon
- National Bitter Melon Council: Nutritional Qualities
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Green Tea
- "Journal of Natural Products"; Cucurbitane-Type Triterpenoids from the Fruits of Momordica charantia and Their Cancer Chemopreventive Effects; Toshihiro Akihisa,et al; August 2007
- "Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention"; Prevention of Mammary Carcinogenesis in C3H/OuJ Mice by Green Tea and Tamoxifen; M. Sakata; 2011
- "Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention"; Chemopreventive and Anticarcinogenic Effects of Momordica Charantia Extract; R.C. Aggarwal; 2010
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