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Bitter melon
The bitter melon plant is known scientifically as Citrullus colocynthis and belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae, which is native to North Africa, southern Europe, southern Asia, and the Middle East. [1] It is an evergreen perennial plant that may reach a height of three meters and has fruits similar to watermelon, but with a smaller size, tougher texture, and bitter taste, and its stems are spread in all directions for a distance of up to meters, [2] It should be noted that this plant It is not safe to use, and we will mention in the rest of the article an explanation. [3]
Are there benefits of bitter melon?
The bitter melon plant is commonly used among many people in several cases, such as diabetes, high cholesterol levels in the blood, constipation, gallbladder and liver problems, and other conditions, but in fact there is great concern about the use of this plant, as it is considered unsafe for human consumption. The Food and Drug Administration has banned its use. [4]
Damage to bitter melon
The degree of safety of bitter melon
As mentioned earlier; Taking bitter melon by mouth is not safe , and it was banned by the FDA in 1991 because taking any amount of it, even if it is small, may cause stomach and intestinal irritation, bloody diarrhea, kidney damage, and blood in the urine Difficulty urinating, which may lead to cramping, paralysis or death. As a number of deaths were recorded after consuming 2 grams of it according to some reports, and taking 300 milligrams of it led to diarrhea in some clinical trials, and it should be noted that in the case of bitter melon poisoning, it is recommended to take a solution of tannic acid (Tannic acid). [4] As for pregnant and lactating women, consuming bitter melon is considered unsafe . [5]
Precautions for using bitter melon
In addition to the fact that bitter melon is not safe to use, it may be particularly harmful in some cases, and we mention from these cases the following: [4]
- Diabetics: The use of bitter melon may lower blood sugar levels, so people who suffer from diabetes should monitor their blood sugar level carefully if consuming bitter melon.
- Surgical operations: The use of bitter melon may interfere with the ability to control blood sugar levels during and after surgeries, so it is advised to avoid using it at least two weeks before undergoing any surgery.
Drug interactions
Taking bitter melon may interfere with the mechanism of action of some medicines, some of which we mention as follows: [3]
- Medication digoxin: ; Whereas, the effect of bitter melon is similar to the effect of a type of laxative called active laxatives, which reduce potassium levels in the body, which leads to an increase in the side effects of digoxin.
- Warfarin: Taking bitter melon may cause diarrhea in some people, which increases the effect of warfarin, and may lead to bleeding, so you should avoid taking bitter melon when using warfarin.
- Diuretics: Taking bitter melon with diuretics may lead to a severe decrease in potassium levels in the blood, and among these drugs: the drug chlorothiazide , and the drug Alvorosemide .
What are the benefits of bitter melon oil
There is no information available about the benefits of bitter melon oil.
References
- ↑ Mohammad Shahid And Kameswara Nanduri (7-29-2014), “Diversity of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. (Cucurbitaceae) in the United Arab Emirates” , Journal on New Biological Reports , Issue 2, Folder 3, Page 145- 150. Edited.
- ↑ L.Schrad, "Citrullus Colocynthis - (L . ) Schrad" , Www.pfaf.org , Retrieved 14-5-2020. Edited.
- ^ A b "COLOCYNTH" , Www.rxlist.com , 17-9-2019, Retrieved 16-5-2020. Edited.
- ^ A b t "COLOCYNTH" , the www.webmd.com , Retrieved 14-5-2020. Edited.
- ↑ "Colocynth" , www.medicinenet.com , 17-9-2019, Retrieved 16-5-2020. Edited.
