Himalaya Karela - Karavella Momordica charantia Melon amer

What is it Karavella ?

The Karavella is the name given to a medicinal mushroom called Momordica charantia, more commonly known as melon amer. Although the term can be confusing, it is not a fungus, but a plant.

His different names

Karavella, Karela (in hindi), Bitter melon Margose, Melon amer

The origins of karavella

Origin of tropical regions'India and South-East Asia, the bitter melon has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine, especially in Ayurveda.
It is also found in parts of South America and the Caribbean, particularly in Brazil and Guyana, where it is used in traditional medicine.
The bitter melon is also cultivated in many regions of Africa, where it is appreciated both as food and medicinal plant.

Over the centuries, the bitter melon spread to China and Japan, where it is also used as a natural food and remedy.
In Japan, it is known as goya.

What are the benefits of bitter melon Karavella ?

The bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is used for centuries in various medicinal traditions for its many health benefits. Here are some of the main benefits attributed to the bitter melon, as well as the scientific evidence that supports them:

1. Glycemia control

• Well done The bitter melon is traditionally used to help regulate blood sugar in the people with diabetes.
• Scientific evidence:
  • Human Studies (2011): A study showed that the daily consumption of 2000 mg of bitter melon powder for 4 weeks resulted in a modest reduction in blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes, although the effect is less pronounced than the standard medication, metformin.
  • Systematic review (2013): A systematic review of available clinical studies suggested that bitter melon can improve blood glucose, but that additional research is needed to confirm these effects.

2. Antioxidant properties

• Well done Antioxidant compounds of bitter melon can help reduce stress oxidative and protect cells against damage.
• Scientific evidence:
  • Animal Study (2014): A study showed that amer melon extract could reduce oxidative stress marker levels in diabetic rats.
  • Study in vitro (2010): Amer melon extracts have demonstrated a significant antioxidant activity in the laboratory, especially against free radicals.

3. Anti-inflammatory properties

• Well done The bitter melon is traditionally used for reduce inflammation.
• Scientific evidence:
  • Animal Study (2016): A study showed that the extract of bitter melon could reduce inflammation in a colitis model in the mouse.
  • Study in vitro (2011): Amer melon extracts reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines in human cells in the laboratory.

4. Support for Immunity System

• Well done We think the melon is bitter strengthens the immune system and protects against certain infections.
• Scientific evidence:
  • Animal Studies (2013): A study showed that the extract of bitter melon improves the immune function in cancer mice, increasing the number of protective immune cells.

5. Anticancerous properties

• Well done The bitter melon is used in traditional medicine for prevent cancer.
• Scientific evidence:
  • Study in vitro (2013): The bitter melon extract showed an anticancer activity against breast cancer cells, colon and pancreas in the laboratory.
  • Animal Study (2010): A study in mice showed that the amer melon extract reduced the growth of mammary tumors.

It is recommended to consult a health professional before using bitter melon as a dietary supplement, especially for people already taking diabetes medications or other conditions.

Here are some scientific references

1. Krawinkel MB, Keding GB. Bitter gourdMomordica charantia): A review of efficacy and safety. In: Bangladesh Journal of Pharmacology, 2014.
2. Joseph B, Jini D. Momordica charantia: A review on its phytochemistry and pharmacology. In: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, 2013.
3. Grover JK, Yadav SP. Pharmacological actions and potential uses of Momordica charantia: a review. In: Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2004.
4. Sathishsekar D, Subramanian S. Antioxidant properties of Momordica charantia (bitter gourd) seeds on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. In: Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2005.
5. Singh P, et al. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Momordica charantia Linn. fruit pulp. In: Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 2016.
6. Tan MJ, et al. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) reduces obesity-associated macrophage and T-cell infiltration and inflammation in mice fed a high-fat diet. In: Journal of Nutrition, 2011.
7. Matsui S, et al. Momordica charantia enhances immune responses in mice. In: Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology, 2008.
8. Raina K, et al. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) extract inhibits mammary carcinogenesis through modulations in lipid synthesis pathway genes in an estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer model. In: Cancer Prevention Research, 2010.
9. Ray RB, et al. Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) Extract Inhibits Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation by Modulating Cell Cycle Regulatory Genes. In: Cancer Research, 2013.

Ingredients and dosage

Each 500mg capsule contains 250mg of Momordca Charantia (Karavella).
Take a capsule twice a day, during the meal.
Vegetarian compatible.