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Family:
Cucurbitaceae
Organ Meridian Systems :
Kidney, Liver
Properties :
Bitter
Traditional Medicinal Uses:
The immature fruits are a good source of vitamin C and provide some vitamin A, phosphorus, and iron. It is a very popular plant, because Momordica charantia has been used by natives for cancer, diabetes, malaria, antiviral properties and to support many infectious diseases. It has also been used for those that suffer from HIV.
Supporting medical research: [British Medical Journal-Clinical Research 282(6279); 1823-4 1981 June 6; see also J Ethnopharmacol 2003; 88(1): 107-111; Acta Biologica et Medica Germanica 41(12):1229-40 1982; and Jiratchariyakul, W., et al. "HIV inhibitor from Thai bitter gourd." Planta Med. 2001 Jun; 67(4): 350-3].
Momordica fruit is contraindicated in women who are pregnant.
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