# Bitter Gourd Herb

> Bitter Gourd Herb (Momordica charantia) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Momordicin concentration is higher in leaves than fruit. Leaf flavonoids show moderate oral bioavailability (20-35%). Chlorophyll-rich fractions may provide additional antioxidant protection during GI transit.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Momordica charantia

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Bitter_Gourd_Herb |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Swarasa (leaf/vine juice), Churna (dried leaf/vine powder), Kashayam (decoction), Capsule, Lepa (paste for external use)

**Standard Dosage:** 10-20ml leaf juice twice daily; 2-4g vine/leaf powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction; external paste as needed for skin conditions

**Bioavailability:** Aerial parts (leaves, stems, tendrils) contain similar but not identical phytochemical profile to fruit. [Momordicin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#momordicin) concentration is higher in leaves than fruit. Leaf [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) show moderate oral bioavailability (20-35%). [Chlorophyll](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#chlorophyll)-rich fractions may provide additional [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) protection during GI transit. Juice from fresh leaves provides optimal bioavailability.

**Optimal Timing:** Morning on empty stomach for metabolic benefits; leaf juice before meals; external paste applied to affected areas twice daily

**Standardized Extract:** Leaf extract standardized to total flavonoids NLT 5%; momordicin NLT 1%. Vine extract 8:1 aqueous extract ratio.

**Shelf Life:** 3 days (fresh juice, refrigerated); 18 months (leaf powder); 2 years (capsule)

**Storage:** Fresh juice refrigerated in glass containers. Dried material in airtight, light-protected containers. Cool, dry conditions below 25°C.

**Marker Compounds:** Momordicin, [Vicine](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#vicine), Rosmarinic acid, Gallic acid, Gentisic acid, Chlorogenic acid, [Catechin](/reference/catechin/), [Epicatechin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#epicatechin)

### Extraction Methods

- Fresh leaf juice extraction (Swarasa)
- Aqueous decoction of dried aerial parts
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40) for flavonoid-rich fractions
- Ethanol extraction for alkaloid profiling
- Shade-drying followed by mechanical grinding for powder

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Neem](/herb/neem/) leaves for skin and blood purification
- With [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for [immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) formulations
- With [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for anti-inflammatory and [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) use
- With [Karanja](/herb/karanja/) leaves for dermatological applications

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/bitter-gourd-herb/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.