MAP30

Related Terms

African cucumber, alpha-momorcharin, ampalaya, balsam-apple, Balsambirne (German), balsam pear, balsambirne, balsamo, beta-momorcharin, bitter apple, bitter cucumber, bitter gourd, bittergurke, bitter melon capsules, bitter melon extract, bitter melon juice, bitter melon malt vinegar, bitter melon seed oil, carilla gourd, cerasse, charantin, chinli-chih, cundeamor, Cucurbitaceae (family), fructus momordiaca grosvenori, GlyMordica?, goya, kakara, karavella, karela, kareli, kathilla, kerala, Koimidori bitter melon, kuguazi, K'u-kua, Lai margose, MAP30, Momordica charantia, momordique, pavakkachedi, pepino montero, P'u-t'ao, sorosi, sushavi, vegetable insulin, wild cucumber.

Background

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia L. Curcurbitaceae) has traditionally been used as a remedy for lowering blood sugar in patients with diabetes. Preliminary data exists on bitter melon use in HIV and cancer. Extracts and powdered formulations of the fruit are most frequently used, although teas made from the stems and leaves are sometimes recommended.
Bitter melon is also consumed as a foodstuff and is found as an ingredient in some south Asian curries. The raw fruit is available in specialty Asian markets where it is known as karela.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


MAP30, a protein isolated from bitter melon extract, has been reported to possess anti-cancer activity, although potential anti-cancer effects have not been studied in humans. Additional study is needed before a strong recommendation can be made.

 C


MAP30, a protein isolated from bitter melon extract, has been reported to possess anti-cancer activity, although potential anti-cancer effects have not been studied in humans. Additional study is needed before a strong recommendation can be made.

 C


Preliminary study has indicated that bitter melon may decrease serum glucose levels; however, reports are mixed. Because safety and efficacy have not been established, bitter melon should be avoided by diabetics except under the strict supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, with careful monitoring of blood sugars.

C


Preliminary study has indicated that bitter melon may decrease serum glucose levels; however, reports are mixed. Because safety and efficacy have not been established, bitter melon should be avoided by diabetics except under the strict supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, with careful monitoring of blood sugars.

C


Early studies have shown that a protein in bitter melon called MAP30 may have antiviral activity, but this has not been studied in humans. Further research is needed before a strong recommendation can be made.

C


Early studies have shown that a protein in bitter melon called MAP30 may have antiviral activity, but this has not been studied in humans. Further research is needed before a strong recommendation can be made.

C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (over 18 years old)
Due to the wide variations in preparation techniques of bitter melon, the proper dosing cannot be determined at the present time. Bitter melon has sometimes been administered as a fruit juice in doses of 50 milliliters or 100 milliliters in diabetic patients. Juice formulations have been reported to have more potent effects on blood sugar and lab values than the powder of the sun-dried fruit. However, safety and efficacy have not been established for any specific dose(s) of bitter melon.
Subcutaneous administration of bitter melon has been studied in humans, although safety, efficacy, and dosing have not been clearly established.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Bitter melon may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist.
Elevations in liver enzymes have been reported. Theoretically, bitter melon may interact with drugs metabolized by or affecting the liver.
The antiviral protein of bitter melon may enhance the therapies of the HIV antagonists, dexamethasone and indomethacin. Bitter melon may have antiviral and immunomodulating effects and therefore may have additive effects with other drugs with similar activity.
Bitter melon leaf extracts have been observed to reverse chemotherapy drug resistance.
Bitter melon may lower triglyceride levels and therefore may have additive effects with other drugs with similar activity.
Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (pharmacokinetics) of other drugs may be altered by bitter melon.
Bitter melon may induce abortion, reduce fertility rates, or inhibit production of sperm. Caution is advised in patients taking fertility agents or antifertility agents.
In theory, bitter melon may interact with medications used to treat parasites (anthelmintics).

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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Bourinbaiar AS, Lee-Huang S. The activity of plant-derived antiretroviral proteins MAP30 and GAP31 against herpes simplex virus in vitro. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1996;219(3):923-929.
Bourinbaiar AS, Lee-Huang S. Potentiation of anti-HIV activity of anti-inflammatory drugs, dexamethasone and indomethacin, by MAP30, the antiviral agent from bitter melon. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1995;208(2):779-785.
Dans AM, Villarruz MV, Jimeno CA, et al. The effect of Momordica charantia capsule preparation on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus needs further studies. J Clin Epidemiol 2007;60(6):554-559.
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Lee-Huang S, Huang PL, Chen HC, et al. Anti-HIV and anti-tumor activities of recombinant MAP30 from bitter melon. Gene 1995;161(2):151-156.
Lee-Huang S, Huang PL, Huang PL, et al. Inhibition of the integrase of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 by anti-HIV plant proteins MAP30 and GAP31. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1995;92(19):8818-8822.
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