Momordica charantia L.
- Synonyms: Momordica charantia L.var. muricata (Willd.) Chakrav.
- Family: Cucurbitaceae
- Vernacular names: Kaippakka, Paval, Pavakkai, Pantipavel, കൈപ്പയ്ക്ക, പാവൽ, പാവയ്ക്ക, പന്തിപ്പാവൽ (Malayalam), Bitter Gourd (English), Karavellaka (Sanskrit), Karela (Hindi), Pavakai Paaharkaai (Tamil)
- Distribution: Paleotropics; widely cultivated
- Description: Tendrillate climbers. Leaves orbicular-cordate, 5-7-lobed. Flowers yellow, axillary, solitary. Fruit oblong, echinate; seeds ovoid, compressed, base and apex sub tridentate, sculptured.
- Habit: Climbers/Lianas
- Habitat: Cultivated
- Flowering & Fruiting: October-January
- Parts used: Whole plant
- Properties & Uses: Anti-diabetic, anthelmintic, laxative and anti-rheumatic. The fruits are used for the treatment of fever, cough, asthma, bronchitis, intestinal worms, ulcers, skin diseases, piles, anemia, jaundice, leprosy, burning sensation, inflammation, impurity of breast milk, obstructions of the liver and spleen. Roots are used to treat ophthalmia and prolapse of the vagina.
- Systems of Medicines: Ayurveda, Folk, Unani,
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