How toxic is the traditional Chinese medicine Momordica charantia?

Momordica charantia is a traditional Chinese medicinal material, also known as Momordica charantia, glutinous rice fruit, and mouse-pulled winter melon. It is the dried and perfect seeds of the Momordica charantia of the Cucurbitaceae family. Momordica charantia belongs to the plant genus Eggplant in the Cucurbitaceae family and is closely related to the eggplant we usually eat. How much does a pound of the Chinese medicinal herb Momordica charantia cost? What are its functions and effects?

Momordica cochinchinensis often grows in valleys, forest edges and roadsides at an altitude of 450-1100 meters. It grows naturally in the thick soil of hillsides and forest edges. It likes warmth and plenty of sunlight. It grows poorly in an overly shady environment. The flowering period is June-August and the fruiting period is August-October. It is distributed in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and its southern region, and is also distributed in Indochina and the Indian Peninsula. It is widely distributed in provinces such as Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Sichuan, etc., and is grown in most provinces in southern China.

The fruits of Momordica charantia are picked when they are ripe from September to November. The fruits are cut open, dried in the sun, and the seeds are peeled out. Alternatively, the fruits are placed in pots and when the outer peel begins to rot, the outer peel is crushed, washed with cold water, the pulp and outer membrane are removed, the seeds are taken out, and dried in the sun or in the air.

How much is the Chinese herbal medicine Momordica cochinchinensis per pound?

Judging from the market trend of Momordica charantia in April, the price of Momordica charantia has nearly doubled in just ten days. According to market merchants, the production of Momordica charantia was very small last year, and there were signs of it being out of stock in early spring 2020. At present, Momordica charantia is in short supply, and some stores are even out of stock, and the price continues to rise. The current price of Momordica charantia is between 45 and 46 yuan for new goods. Most of the buyers are purchasing according to the plan due to the price increase, and the price is expected to continue to rise in the future.

Effects and efficacy of Momordica cochinchinensis

Momordica cochinchinensis was first recorded in the "Kaibao Materia Medica" of the Song Dynasty. It has the effects of eliminating lumps and swellings, attacking toxins and curing sores. In clinical medicine, it is often used as an external application to treat psoriasis, eczema, alopecia, etc. and has certain practical effects. The seeds resemble turtle shells, so it is called wood turtle.

1. Treatment of Trauma

Momordica cochinchinensis can be used to treat sprained waist, stitch in the side, low back pain or low back pain caused by falls, etc., and has very good effects.

2. Effect of reducing swelling and knots

The seeds of Momordica charantia have the effect of reducing swelling and eliminating lumps, and can be used to treat carbuncles, furuncles, scrofula, hemorrhoids, and unknown swellings.

3. The effect of chasing wind and relieving pain

Momordica cochinchinensis has the effect of relieving pain in drug addiction treatment and can be used to treat rheumatism, muscle spasm, swollen and painful gums, etc.

4. Blood pressure lowering effect

The extract of Momordica cochinchinensis has a good blood pressure lowering effect on anesthetized dogs, cats and rabbits. Intravenous injection of Momordica cochinchinensis saponins in rats can temporarily lower blood pressure, accelerate heart rate, and cause transient inspiratory excitement.

FAQ: Momordica cochinchinensis has many functions and effects, but pregnant women and people with qi and blood deficiency should avoid using Momordica cochinchinensis; people with weak stomach, loose intestines, and deficiency of essence should not use Momordica cochinchinensis; in addition, Momordica cochinchinensis should not be eaten with raw pork.