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MOMORDICA CHARANTIA L. - BITTER MELON.
Common nameAampalaya, pomme de merveille, pomo balsamo, balsamini longa, muop dang, tsuru reishi, bittergourd, bitter melon, balsam pear, sopropo, arsorossie, ku gua foo, pare, peria, karela, balsamina, balsamapfel, mara. Family Cucurbitaceae (gourd family). Overview Also known as Chinese bitter melon; this tropical vine is a tender perennial. The fruit is edible when harvested green and cooked. The taste is bitter. Bitter melon has twice the potassium of bananas and is also rich in vitamin A and C. Pare is a monoecious climber with dark green, deeply lobed leaves with hairs on it. The dioecious flowers are yellow and the fruits are oblong and lumpy with a light green to greenish-white, waxy skin. Pare is a favourite in the Surinam kitchen. Bitter melon seems to be supportive in HIV, several proteins (such as alpha - and beta momocharin) have HIV inhibitory effects in vitro. However, they are not cytotoxic. Medicinal applications Lectins from bittermelon have shown good antilipolytic - and lipogenic activity. Map 30 is a specific protein in bitter melon, that is useful in treating HIV infection. There is another smaller variety Balsam apple (M. balaminal), which has seeds surrounded by a bright red pulp. These seeds are small and black. The juice of this plant appears to be abortifacient. In traditional Chinese medicine the vegetable is used as an appetite stimulant and as a treatment for gastrointestinal infection and against cancer (breast). Peria is also hypoglycemic (blood sugar - lowerering effects). It has been proven to increase the number of beta cells (those which produce insulin) in the pancreas and is natural support for diabetics. For more details on the phyto-chemistry and pharmacology of bitter melon: go to "MAROWINA FACTS® DATABASE". For more information go to the APPLICATIONS & DOSAGE page. Visit also our CHOLESTEROL -, DIABETES - , HYPERTENSION - and TINCTURE pages. Suriname's traditional medicine Sopropo is used against fever, stomachache, diabetes - mellitus and hypertension. Hardiness USDA zone 9 - 11. Propagation Seeds. Culture Full sun / light shade; rich moist soil. Plant in frost free areas since bitter melon is very sensitive to frost. Do not water too much. In cooler climates start planting in pots 6 weeks before the frost free date; transplant when there is no more danger of frost. |
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