The use of Momordica species, particularly Momordica charantia (bitter melon), for supporting or treating herpes is primarily rooted in traditional and folk medicine. In various traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Momordica extracts have been used for their purported antiviral and immune-boosting properties. However, scientific studies specifically investigating the efficacy of Momordica against herpes simplex virus (HSV) are very limited and largely preliminary.

The available scientific literature provides only modest support. Some in vitro studies suggest that extracts from Momordica charantia may possess antiviral activity, and a few animal studies have indicated potential benefits against certain viruses. However, direct clinical evidence regarding the effectiveness of Momordica for herpes in humans is lacking. Most traditional use relies on the general antiviral and immune-modulating properties attributed to the plant rather than targeted evidence against HSV-1 or HSV-2.

In summary, the use of Momordica for herpes is mainly based on traditional practice, with weak supporting evidence from laboratory research. There are no robust clinical trials confirming its effectiveness for herpes infections. As such, while Momordica is used in traditional systems for viral conditions, its use for herpes specifically should be considered with caution and not as a substitute for proven antiviral therapies.