Evidence supporting the use of: Bitter Melon
For the health condition: Jaundice (adults)
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, for a variety of ailments, including liver-related conditions such as jaundice. In Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, bitter melon is considered to have liver-protective and detoxifying properties, and its bitter taste is believed to stimulate digestion and bile flow, which is thought to help relieve symptoms of jaundice. Historical texts and folk remedies often cite the use of bitter melon juice or extracts for supporting liver health and reducing yellowing of the skin and eyes.
However, scientific validation for the use of bitter melon specifically for the treatment or support of jaundice in adults is limited. While some preclinical studies suggest that bitter melon may possess hepatoprotective effects—such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and liver enzyme-lowering properties—these studies have mostly been conducted in animal models or on cell lines, not in human clinical trials focused on jaundice. No robust, high-quality clinical trials have established the efficacy or safety of bitter melon for treating jaundice in adults. Thus, its use for this condition remains primarily rooted in traditional practice, with only preliminary scientific evidence suggesting potential benefit to liver health in general.
Other ingredients used for Jaundice (adults)
aloe veragreen chiretta
annatto
artichoke
bamboo
barberry
myrobalan
betel
blackberry
bovine liver
rice
turmeric
dandelion
gooseberry
heartwood
honeysuckle
licorice root
lophatherum leaf
lovage
milk thistle
plum fruit
reishi mushroom
scrophularia root
silymarin
chickweed
typhonium
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
blackboard tree
fumaria parviflora
picrorhiza kurroa
rubia cordifolia
swertia
morus
sweetgums
birch
sheep's sorrel
peach
white oak
acacia
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Albizia
Ajuga
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Alsonia scholaris
Agrimonia pilosa
Amor seco
Arani
Borotutu
Babchi
Blackthorn
Blepharis
Bayleaf
Beef liver
Barleria
Big Quaking Grass
Bael
Butternut
boldo
Banyan
black salt
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Black root
Bergenia
Chinese Silkvine
Calotropis gigantea
Coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cyathula
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Chirata
Calamus
Carthamus
Colocynth
Clerodendrum indicum
Didymocarpus
Desmodium
Dichrostachys glomerata
Erodium cicutarium
Embelia
Goldthread
Ivy
Lotus
Little ironweed
Orchid
Rhubarb
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Sandalwood
Other health conditions supported by Bitter Melon
Acid IndigestionCancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cholesterol (high)
Diabetes
Fatty Liver Disease
Gastritis
Hypertension
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Jaundice (adults)
Liver Detoxification
Malaria
Metabolic Syndrome
Parasites (general)
Parasites (nematodes, worms)
Sugar Cravings
Triglycerides (high)
Ulcers