Momordica charantia (Karela), an Asian squash containing charantin, polypeptide-p (plant insulin), and vicine. These compounds act as insulin mimetics, activating AMPK, enhancing peripheral glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, and suppressing hepatic gluconeogenesis to lower blood glucose levels.
Educational information only — never stop or change a prescribed medication without talking to your prescriber first.
May cause hypoglycemia if combined with prescription antidiabetic medications (insulin, sulfonylureas); monitor blood sugar closely. CONTRAINDICATED during pregnancy (can induce uterine contractions) and in individuals with G6PD deficiency (favism risk from vicine).
Evidence level: Strong
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