Bitter melon has a long history of use as a hypoglycemic agent in Asia, Africa and Latin America where the plant extract has been referred to as vegetable insulin. It is used mainly for the treament of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Bittermelon grows in the tropical areas, including parts of the Amazon, east Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean and is cultivated as a food and medicine.

It has a long history of use as a hypoglycemic agent in Asia, Africa and Latin America where the plant extract has been referred to as vegetable insulin. Bitter melon is used medicinally mainly for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Some preliminary evidence suggests that the consumption of bitter melon as whole fruit, extractk, or dried powder may reduce blood sugar levels.

More recently bitter melon has been propsed as an antiviral and antineoplastic agent. Folkloric uses have included a myriad of other indications, including psoriasis, infertility, gastrointestinal cramps, infections, and cancer as well as an abortifacient.

In China is has it's history in the Traditional Chinese medicine journals. Like most bitter-tasting foods, it stumulates digestion and cleanses the blood. Bitter melon can clear stomach heat and boost eyesight. Other properties and actions documented by traditional use are antifungal, antiparasitic, antivenin, cardiotonic, digestive stimulant, emetic, mentstrual stimulator, purgative and vermifuge.