Evidence supporting the use of: Bitter Melon
For the health condition: Infection (viral)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. It has been utilized for a variety of ailments, including infections and illnesses believed to be related to “bad humors” or toxins. Folk remedies often cite bitter melon for its supposed antiviral and antimicrobial properties, and it is sometimes used in traditional practices to help manage viral infections, such as colds or flu-like illnesses.

From a scientific standpoint, some in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that bitter melon extracts can inhibit certain viruses, such as herpes simplex virus and HIV, as well as show some general antimicrobial activity. However, these findings are preliminary, and clinical trials in humans specifically examining the antiviral effects of bitter melon are lacking or of poor quality. As such, while traditional use exists and there is some experimental support at the cellular or animal level, robust scientific validation in human subjects is not currently available.

Therefore, the use of bitter melon to support or treat viral infections is primarily justified by tradition, with limited preliminary scientific evidence that does not yet meet the standards for clinical recommendation.

More about Bitter Melon
More about Infection (viral)

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Products containing Bitter Melon

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.