# Karvellaka

> Karvellaka (Momordica charantia) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Charantin and polypeptide-p bioavailability details as per Karela entry. Cucurbitane-type triterpenoids show improved absorption with lipid co-administration. Dried forms in airtight, moisture-proof containers at 15-30°C.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Momordica charantia

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Karvellaka |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Tikta, Katu | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Swarasa (fresh juice), Churna (powder), Capsule, Tablet, Kvatha (decoction)

**Standard Dosage:** 30-50 mL fresh fruit juice daily; 3-6 g dried fruit powder twice daily; 500 mg extract capsule twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Identical pharmacological profile to [Karela](/herb/karela/) (Momordica charantia) — both names refer to the same plant. [Charantin](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#charantin) and polypeptide-p bioavailability details as per [Karela](/herb/karela/) entry. Cucurbitane-type [triterpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#triterpenoids) show improved absorption with lipid co-administration.

**Optimal Timing:** Early morning on empty stomach for glycemic benefits; before meals for appetite regulation

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized to minimum 2% charantin and 10% total bitter principles (as [momordicin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#momordicin)); MAP30 protein content quantified for seed-derived extracts

**Shelf Life:** 24 hours for fresh juice (refrigerated); 18 months for powder; 24 months for capsules and tablets

**Storage:** Fresh juice requires refrigeration (2-8°C). Dried forms in airtight, moisture-proof containers at 15-30°C. Protein-containing extracts require cold chain (2-8°C).

**Marker Compounds:** Charantin, Momordicin, [Vicine](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#vicine), MAP30 protein, Polypeptide-p, Cucurbitane triterpenoids, Momordicoside K, Momordicoside L

### Extraction Methods

- Cold pressing of fresh fruit
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-70% ethanol)
- Spray drying of juice concentrate
- Supercritical CO2 for saponin-enriched fractions

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Gudmar](/herb/gudmar/) (Gymnema) for anti-diabetic synergy
- [Methi](/herb/methi/) (Fenugreek) for metabolic syndrome management
- [Jamun](/herb/jamun/) seeds for comprehensive glycemic control
- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for insulin sensitization

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/karvellaka/

## 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.