Evidence supporting the use of: Bitter Melon
For the health condition: Parasites (general)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. In these traditions, bitter melon has been used as a remedy for a variety of ailments, including as an anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) agent. Ethnobotanical records document its use for treating intestinal worms and other parasitic infections, often through consumption of its juice, seeds, or decoctions made from the fruit or leaves.

However, scientific evidence supporting bitter melon’s efficacy as an anti-parasitic agent in humans is limited. Some in vitro (test tube) and animal studies have shown that extracts of bitter melon exhibit activity against certain parasites, such as Giardia lamblia and Plasmodium spp. (malaria parasite), but these findings have not been robustly replicated in human clinical trials. Most available studies are preliminary, and there is a lack of high-quality, peer-reviewed clinical research confirming its safety and efficacy for treating parasitic infections in humans.

In summary, while there is a historical and traditional basis for the use of bitter melon against parasites, the scientific support is weak and largely preclinical. Its use for this purpose should be considered traditional rather than evidence-based at this time.

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