Before we fully dive into bitter gourd seeds’ benefits, here are important things you should know about Bitter Gourd and where the seeds are from.
Bitter Gourd is scientifically called Momordica charantia. It is on the top list of the 60 species of Momordica plant which belongs to the Cucurbitaceae plant family.
Medicinal Value
Bitter Gourd is valuable in both traditional and modern medicine fields due to its rich medicinal constituent (phytochemical content) such as tannin, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, saponins, steroids, cardiac glycosides, phlorotannins and anthraquinones which have various health benefits.
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Bitter Gourd Benefits
Bitter Gourd is effective in treating metabolic syndromes such as abdominal fat, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, and high blood sugar which can cause diseases like Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke. [1]
1. Bitter Gourd may treat Diabetes
The effectiveness of bitter gourd in reducing blood sugar has been firmed by many studies. Several studies confirmed the anti-diabetic property of. bitter gourd, including Ayurveda and other traditional medicine practices, have been used this plant in treating diabetes.[2]
2. Bitter Gourd may lower Cholesterol level
This plant has shown its efficacy in lower cholesterol levels. It has a therapeutic property highlighted in several studies which have proven that it helps to protect the body from cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, through its ability to lower blood cholesterol.[3]
3. Bitter Gourd may inhibit the growth of Cancer
Bitter gourd may be used in treating cancer. studies indicate the presence of an essential compound in a bitter gourd called triterpenoid which is found inhibits breast cancer [4].
4. Bitter Gourd may improve cognitive ability
A study on scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats indicated a memory-enhancing activity of this plant.
In this study to test their cognitive functions, Bitter gourd is used to make a paste of which the rats were fed orally for 3-time doses in the proportion of 150mg/kg for the first, 300mg/kg for the second, and 600 mg/kg for 7 times daily for 14 consecutive days.
Scopolamine was reduced after regulation and their cognitive function was restored [5].
5. Inhibits bacterial and fungal activity
Bitter gourd possesses compounds that have shown inhibitory effects against bacteria and fungi.
An old study suggests that this plant extract may be used in treating infectious diseases such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhi. [6]
6. Slows Down Aging (Fights Free Radical)
The presence of certain phytochemical compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, anthraquinones, and terpenoids in bitter gourd has demonstrated great antioxidants [7] and free radical scavenging ability [8].
Free radicals from oxidative stress have lots of negative impacts on our health such as premature aging and weakening of the body’s defense. With the intake of fruit, our body’s immunity may improve.
Bitter Gourd seeds benefits
The seeds are used in treating several ailments as detailed below;
7. Helpful in treating malaria
The bitter taste of the seed act as quinine against malaria parasites. Traditionally, the seeds of Bitter Gourd use to prepare an infusion which will be taken at least (2x) two times daily for malaria treatment.
8. Useful for treating Enlarged Spleen
One of the many Bitter Gourd seeds benefits is their efficacy in treating enlarged spleen. Splenomegaly —enlarged spleen is when the spleen is swollen as a result of an infection or injury.
There are several ways to treat an enlarged spleen such as surgical operation, but traditionally with the help of bitter gourd seed.
Method
Extract the seeds and sun-dry them.
Grind the dried seeds into powder.
Dosage
Mix half a teaspoon of the powdered seed with lukewarm water and drink it for few times until you notice changes then discontinue intake.
Always Remember that long use of herbal medicines may have adverse effects on our health.
9. Useful in treating swellings and wounds
Do have part of your body wounded or swollen due to injury? Now take a few fresh Bitter Gourd seeds and make pasta.
Apply it over Swollen area and leave it until it wears off, repeat until the swollen part disappears.
10. Help in treating hepatosplenomegaly
hepatosplenomegaly — a condition where the liver or spleen is swollen beyond its default size, it may be caused by infections.
One of the traditional ways of treating hepatosplenomegaly is by using Bitter Gourd seeds.
Method
Sundry bitter gourd seeds and grind them into powder.
Mix half a teaspoon of the powdered seed with lukewarm water and drink it once a day for 5 days. Stop if no result and seek medical attention.
11. Improves the function of the Pancreas
Pancreatitis —a condition where there is an inflammation of the pancreas.
The pancreas is a very important organ that produces digestive enzymes and as well trigger sugar-regulating hormone to work properly.
Pancreatitis may be triggered by Gallstones
Alcoholism drug use, Abdominal surgery, Infection, Injury to the abdomen, and so on [9].
Treating pancreatitis with bitter gourd can be done by drinking 3 to 4 teaspoons of fresh Bitter Gourd juice every day for 30 days. Discontinue usage immediately.
The fresh juice extract take can improve the function of the pancreas,
It supports the proper functioning of the Pancreas and gives relief from Abdominal Pain, reducing the inflammation of the pancreas and other stomach pain.
Bitter gourd seeds and fertility
Bitter gourd seed has a detrimental impact on male fertility as detailed below
Lowers Libido
The intake of Bitter gourd seeds is found to have the ability to lower male libido. An experimental study on a matured male guinea pig that was fed fruit extract of bitter gourd for 30 to 60 days showed a significant reduction in libido. [10]
Lowers sperm of quality
2005 study on rats that were fed the seed extract of butter gourd indicate the anti-androgenic property which caused significant changes in the shape and size of the sperm head [11]. Also, the antisteroidogenic and anti-sperm-to-genic property of this seed extract was indicated [12]
Impairs testis function
Another study also shows a reduction in the testicular activity of male golden hamsters which days an impediment to spermatogenesis [13]
Summary
Despite the numerous health of the leaves, fruit, and seed of bitter gourd, long-time use may have a detrimental impact on human reproductive health may lower sex drive, and impede the function of the male gonads which will cause a drop in the production of sperm.
Precautions
Expect in herbal have suggested that herbal medicine should not be used continually for a long time. It is recommended that it should be used for at most I month to avoid health complications especially when the desired results are not achieved.
Bitter gourd seeds side effects
The regular intake of bitter gourd leaves, fruits, and seeds may cause gastrointestinal ailments, and may also impact male fertility due to its anti-fertility effect.
Bitter Gourd FAQs
A lot of questions have been raised concerning this plant which led to control controversial opinions and questions discussed below.
Is bitter gourd good for sperm?
No! Bitter gourd is found to hurt male fertility and can impart the functions of the male gonads, lower sex drive, and reduce sperm quality.
Is bitter gourd good for conceiving?
There is no record confirming the improvement in the conception rate of females but may help treat menopausal pain.
Is bitter gourd good for fertility?
No! Bitter gourd is found to have anti-fertility effects as indicated in a study on mature male Guinea pigs.
Can I eat bitter gourd when trying to conceive?
No! due to the anti-fertility properties of bitter gourd hence should be avoided. Secondly, an overdose may be toxic due to the lectin content of the outer rind.
Can bitter melon cure infertility?
No! male and female should avoid it when trying to conceive.
What happens if we eat bitter gourd seeds?
Nothing bad will happen rather it may improve your health at a lower dose due to its rich nutrient value.
Is bitter gourd safe for pregnancy?
No! It is not safe during pregnancy and hence should be avoided. Also, it contains lectin which may be toxic
Is it good to eat bitter gourd every day?
Yes! if you are eating it as food. But during should not pass 30 days if intake is for medicinal usage.
Dosage
- Must consult with your doctor before taking the herbal dose.
- Bitter Gourd powered capsule should be taken 500-1000 milligrams daily.
- Bitter Gourd Juice extract should be taken: 50-100 milligrams daily
JC is passionate about finding the impact of foods (feeding habits) on human fertility and reproductive health and a way to improve fertility.
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