Herbal Medicus
Karela | Bitter Gourd | کریلا
Karela | Bitter Gourd | کریلا
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English Name : Bitter Gourd, Bitter Melon, Balsam Apple
Hindi Name : Karela, Kareli
Latin name : Momordica charantia Linn.
Punjabi Name : Karela
Sanskrit Name : Karavella, Sushavi, Kathilla
Urdu Name : Karela
DESCRIPTION
The fruit is very bitter and is useful in gout, rheumatism and sub-acute cases of the spleen and liver. It purifies the blood and is useful in diabetes. At least three different groups of constituents in Bitter Melon have been reported to have hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) or other actions of potential benefit in diabetes mellitus. These include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantin, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids. It is still unclear which of these is most effective or if all three work together. Nonetheless, Bitter Melon preparations have been shown to significantly improve glucose tolerance without increasing blood insulin levels, and to improve fasting blood glucose levels. Blood and urine sugar levels and post-prandial (after eating) blood glucose levels also fell. An as yet unidentified constituent in Bitter Melon also seems to inhibit the enzyme guanylate cyclase, which may benefit people with psoriasis. Also useful in the treatment of syphilis, rheumatism and spleen troubles.
Recommended Dosage: Juice : 10 to 20 ml; Dried Extract : 500 mg to 1 g powder.
Contraindication: Pregnant women should avoid Bitter Melon, as it may stimulate uterine contractions. Anyone with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) should not take Bitter Melon, because it may possibly worsen or trigger the problem. Furthermore, diabetics taking prescription hypoglycemic drugs or insulin should not take Bitter Melon unless under a physician،s direction. As a safety measure, Bitter Melon should be avoided altogether by those who have cirrhosis, hepatitis or those with HIV/AIDS who have a history of liver infection. Ingestion of excessive amounts of Bitter Melon juice (several times more than the amount recommended above) can cause abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Excessive ingestion of the seeds had been associated with headache, fever, and coma. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with bitter melon.
