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Momordica charantia extract charantin is obtained from bitter gourd or bitter melon, a tropical and subtropical vine that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. The charantin supplement is one of the several active components in bitter melon. It is retractable and soluble in alcohol, visible as yellow crystals, and often characterized as a glycoside of filicinic acid. Here are some of the common forms of Momordica charantia extract:
Powdered extract
This is a common dietary supplement form that can often be added to foods and drinks or poured into capsules.
Capsules and tablets
Capsules and tablets are other common ways to measure and keep the bitter melon extract, where consumers can easily swallow it while tracking daily dosages.
Tinctures
The tincture of charantin can also be found, which is an extract in alcohol or glycerin solution, with a good concentration of the extract often in liquid form.
Powdered extract
Charantin can also be found as a purified powdered extract, often used in medicinal applications and research for its potent effects. It is worth noting that such an extract can also be highly concentrated and require careful use.
Tea and drink mix
Momordica charantia is often prepared as herbal tea or mixed drinks in some cultures, where bitter gourd is soaked or boiled in water to prepare a tea with potential health benefits.
In herbal medicine
Some people use raw bitter melon fruit or juice, which contains charantin and other active compounds, for medicinal properties. Juicing the raw fruit dilutes its extremely bitter taste, but pure juice provides a highly concentrated amount of the extract.
Momordica charantia extract tham is taken on an empty stomach to increase absorption and effectiveness. It can be mixed with water, tea, or other beverages when in powdered form. For tinctures, it's often suggested to mix with a small amount of water or juice to dilute the concentration. The juice of raw bitter melon can be quite potent and may need to be diluted with other liquids like water, coconut water, or fruit juices to mitigate the intense bitterness.
Capsules and tablets
Capsules and tablets are often taken with water, and it's essential to follow the recommended dosage instructions. Juice or raw bitter melon should be consumed in smaller amounts, gradually increasing as the body adjusts to the high concentration of nutrients and the intense bitter taste.
Powdered extract
The powdered extract can be added to smoothies, soups, or other foods, but it's advisable to start with small doses. Bitter melon tea should be brewed and consumed regularly to experience its potential health benefits.
Tinctures
Liquid extracts or tinctures are very concentrated forms of the bitter melon extract and should always be mixed with water or juice before consumption. They are typically taken in small amounts due to their high potency.
Fresh bitter melon
Fresh bitter melon, which is often considered the most beneficial form, can be prepared and consumed in various ways, including stir-fries, soups, salads, or juiced, as mentioned earlier.
The charantin bear fruit health benefits include the following:
Blood sugar regulation
Charantin has been shown to improve glucose utilization in the body, which can aid in lowering blood sugar levels. It is therefore used as a natural remedy for diabetes and is thought to complement diabetic medical drugs by improving their action. Some studies suggest that charantin might work similarly to insulin, increasing glucose uptake in cells and possibly stimulating insulin receptors.
Cholesterol-lowering properties
Research evidence indicates that charantin has the potential to lower cholesterol levels in the body by reducing fat absorption in the intestines and increasing the body's excretion of cholesterol. It also improves the cholesterol profile by raising HDL (high-density lipoprotein) or good cholesterol while lowering LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and total cholesterol levels.
Antioxidant properties
Charantin may have antioxidant effects, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and for damage caused by free radicals. This may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and promote overall health by neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. The antioxidants contained in charantin can also help protect liver cells and increase liver health and function.
Weight management
Charantin can possibly aid in weight control by increasing the body's energy expenditure and reducing fat accumulation. Charantin also reduces the absorption of dietary fats and sugars, which may help decrease calorie intake and contribute to weight loss or maintenance. There are appetite-suppressing effects of charantin that may help some individuals eat less and resist food cravings.
Anti-inflammatory effects
It is reported that charantin has anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce inflammation in the body. Such effects are potentially useful in managing conditions associated with chronic inflammation, such as arthritis, heart disease, and other inflammatory disorders.
Although charantin has many health benefits, bitter melon pregnant women and people with hypoglycemia should avoid using bitter melon or charantin. It is because charantin can lower blood sugar, which is dangerous for pregnant women since it can stimulate insulin and cause potential blood sugar fluctuation in fetal development issues. Bitter melon juice should be avoided by people with hypoglycemia because it can lower blood sugar levels and increase the risk of hypoglycemia, causing symptoms like dizziness, shaking, and confusion.
Low blood sugar warning
Blood sugar levels should be closely monitored in individuals with diabetes who use charantin supplements to avoid interaction, as additional insulin or blood sugar medications may need to be adjusted. A healthcare professional should always be contacted before taking charantin, especially for people with existing health conditions or who are on medication. Charantin extract should not be taken continuously as it may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues.
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions and skin irritations have also been reported in some extremely sensitive individuals after bitter melon exposure. Seek medical attention if there are any signs of a rash, hives, or difficulty breathing. Charantin supplements may interact with anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs like warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. Such drugs should be avoided while using charantin.
Pregnancy and nursing
Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid charantin supplements or bitter melon, as the hormonal effects of the extract could potentially interfere with fetal development or milk production.
Both the charantin supplement and fresh bitter melon have to be stored properly in order for the health benefits to be fully realized and for the product to stay safe and effective.
Storage of charantin supplements
Charantin supplements, such as capsules, powders, or tinctures, should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The tinctures should be held in an airtight container. Refrigeration may be necessary for some, while others should be kept at room temperature; this always has to be followed based on the storage instructions on the product's label. Store supplements in a desiccant container or the original container with desiccant to prevent moisture exposure and keep the product dry. Those that come in glass bottles with amber or dark-colored glass should not be transferred to other containers because this type of storage already protects against light exposure. Avoid storing supplements in humid areas like the refrigerator or bathroom. High humidity can degrade the potency of the product.
Fresh bitter melon storage
Fresh bitter melons should be stored in the refrigerator to keep them cool and extend their shelf life. It should be placed in the crisper drawer or a produce bag that allows for some airflow because bitter melons thrive in a slightly humid environment, and there should not be excess moisture or water on the surface of the fruit to prevent mold growth. Avoid storing bitter melons near ethylene-producing fruits like apples or bananas because bitter melons can ripen too quickly and affect their taste and bitterness increase. Store them ideally at temperatures between 10°C and 13°C (50°F and 55°F) for optimal freshness. Do not store chopped or cut bitter melon unless it's wrapped tightly in plastic or an airtight container, as exposure to air can cause it to dry out and affect its flavor. The storage period for fresh bitter melon is usually 1-2 weeks, depending on the freshness and condition in which it was purchased.
A1. Yes, charantin can be taken daily. Many people take charantin as a daily supplement in capsule or tablet form, or as a powdered extract added to foods and drinks. Charantin taken as a juice should be diluted with water or other liquids. This helps reduce the extremely bitter taste and the concentration of the juice, which may be too high for some people.
A2. The amount of charantin taken daily varies depending on the form of bitter melon used and individual health needs. For capsules or tablets, the general recommended dosage is usually between 500 mg and 1000 mg per day; many people add powdered extract to foods and drinks, adjusting the amount to personal preference, but should start small to gauge tolerance. Fresh bitter melon can be consumed daily; the amount typically ranges from 1/2 to 1 bitter melon, depending on the individual's tolerance to its intense bitterness.
A3. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised against taking charantin supplements. Those who are about to go for surgery should avoid charantin because it can lower blood sugar and complicate the surgical process. People with hypoglycemia should also avoid charantin because it can lower blood sugar and increase the risk of hypoglycemia, which is a condition characterized by extremely low blood sugar levels.
A4. Yes, there are indications that charantin is good for the liver. Some studies have shown that bitter melon can help protect the liver and improve its function. Charantin, in particular, may aid in reducing fat accumulation in the liver and increasing liver health.
