Evidence supporting the use of: Balsam pear
For the health condition: Malaria

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Synopsis

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

Balsam pear (Momordica charantia), also known as bitter melon, has a long history of use in traditional medicine across Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. In several ethnobotanical records, the plant is cited as a remedy for fever and malaria-like symptoms. Traditional healers have used decoctions of the leaves or fruits either alone or in combination with other antimalarial plants. The rationale for its use is largely based on empirical observations and community practice rather than scientific validation.

Scientific studies investigating the antimalarial efficacy of Momordica charantia are limited. A handful of in vitro and animal studies have suggested weak to moderate activity of certain extracts against Plasmodium species, but results are inconsistent and the active compounds are not well-characterized. No large-scale clinical trials in humans have demonstrated a clear antimalarial benefit. As such, its use for malaria is best described as traditionally justified with only preliminary, low-level scientific support. Contemporary medical guidelines do not recommend Balsam pear as a treatment for malaria.

In summary, while Balsam pear is traditionally used in some regions for malaria, scientific evidence is sparse and not robust enough to support its clinical use for this condition.

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