Metabolic Health
Bitter Melon Extract
Also known as: Momordica charantia, Karela
Traditional anti-diabetic plant with multiple blood sugar-lowering compounds.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Bitter Melon Extract product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BulkSupplements Bitter Melon Extract Powder | 87 A | $0.08 |
| 2 | Pure Encapsulations GlucoFunction | 85 A- | $0.55 |
| 3 | Nutricost Bitter Melon Capsules | 84 A- | $0.10 |
| 4 | Thorne Diabenil® | 81 A- | $1.56 |
| 5 | Integrative Therapeutics Glycemic Manager | 70 B | $0.95 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Bitter Melon Extract should I take?
The typical range is 500-2000mg extract daily. Ongoing
When should I take Bitter Melon Extract?
With meals. Yes.
Which form of Bitter Melon Extract is best?
Extract — Concentrated. Other forms in the catalog: Juice/powder.
Is Bitter Melon Extract safe?
Commonly reported: GI upset, Hypoglycemia. Serious warnings: May cause hypoglycemia, Avoid in pregnancy. Safe at normal doses
Which Bitter Melon Extract supplement scores highest?
BulkSupplements Bitter Melon Extract Powder, at 87/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Blood sugar
- Insulin mimetic
- Glucose utilization
What systematic reviews concluded
Outcomes that systematic reviews of Bitter Melon Extract reached a verdict on: 3 with a benefit, 5 with no effect, 1 unclear. Each is quoted from a review and linked to it on PubMed. How these were read.
Reviews found a benefit (3)
“Bitter melon consumption resulted in a significant decrease in plasma concentrations of TC (WMD; -9.71 mg/dL; CI: -17.69 to -1.74, p = 0.01)” PMID 39444254
“TG (WMD; -10.24 mg/dL; CI: -19.92 to -0.56, p = 0.03)” PMID 39444254
“daily use of the bitter melon leaf extract in oral form for 28 days significantly increased the total ulcer healing score (2 RCTs; WMD = 0.40; p = 0.001)” PMID 38356150
Reviews found no effect (5)
“bitter melon did not significantly lower blood LDL-C (WMD; -8.66 mg/dL; CI: -19.83 to 2.50, p = 0.12)” PMID 39444254
“HDL-C concentrations (WMD; 0.54 mg/dL; CI: -2.38 to 3.45, p = 0.71)” PMID 39444254
“body mass index (BMI) (WMD: -0.18 kg/m2; 95 %CI: -0.43-0.07; P =0.171)” PMID 39079610
“waist circumference (WC) (WMD: -0.95 cm; 95 % CI: -3.05-1.16; p =0.372)” PMID 39079610
“percentage of body fat (PBF) (WMD: -0.99; 95 % CI: -2.33-0.35; p =0.141)” PMID 39079610
Not enough to say: body weight.
How it works
- Contains insulin-like compounds
- May increase glucose uptake
- Multiple mechanisms
Dosage
- Typical range
- 500-2000mg extract daily
- Timing
- With meals
- With food
- Yes
- Duration
- Ongoing
- Special populations
- Blood sugar support, traditional medicine preference
Forms
- Extract
- Juice/powder
Safety
Common side effects
- GI upset
- Hypoglycemia
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- G6PD deficiency
Products containing Bitter Melon Extract
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Bitter Melon Extract on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Traditional blood sugar support
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Related in Metabolic Health
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.