Bitter Cucumber
Citrullus colocynthis (bitter cucumber) is a traditional medicinal plant used for diabetes in Middle Eastern and Asian folk medicine. C-GRADE for blood glucose (small improvement in 1 study, 50 participants). D-GRADE for blood pressure and HDL (no effect). SAFETY CONCERN: Even low doses (100mg 3x daily) cause diarrhea; higher doses (1500mg) cause colonic inflammation and RECTAL BLEEDING. Bioactive compounds not fully characterized. Limited human research - preliminary evidence only. Not recommended for self-treatment due to GI toxicity profile.
Quick Answer
What it is
Citrullus colocynthis (bitter cucumber) is a traditional medicinal plant used for diabetes in Middle Eastern and Asian folk medicine. C-GRADE for blood glucose (small improvement in 1 study, 50 participants).
Key findings
- Grade C: Blood glucose (High Cholesterol)
- Grade D: Blood Pressure (High Cholesterol)
- Grade D: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) (Dyslipidemia)
Safety
- Not recommended for self-treatment due to GI toxicity profile.
ℹ️ Quick Facts: Bitter Cucumber
Quick Facts: Bitter Cucumber
- Best Evidence:Grade C
- Conditions Studied:4
- Research Outcomes:37
- Key Effect:High Cholesterol
Detailed Outcomes
Evidence by Condition
Best grade per condition (each condition may have multiple outcomes)
Research Citations (2)
Related Supplements
Resveratrol
4 shared conditions · 318 outcomes
Resveratrol is a bioactive molecule found in plant sources such as grapes, peanuts, blueberries, and, famously, red wine. Resveratrol has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that benefit cardiovascular function, glycemic control, and lipid metabolism. Although it’s promoted for lifespan extension, there’s no evidence for this in humans and limited evidence in animals.
Curcumin
4 shared conditions · 502 outcomes
Curcumin is the primary bioactive substance in turmeric. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can alleviate symptoms of depression as well as improve pain and function in people with osteoarthritis.
Creatine
4 shared conditions · 433 outcomes
Creatine is among the most well-studied and effective supplements for improving exercise performance. It does this mainly by increasing energy availability during high-intensity activity. Creatine may also provide cognitive and mental health benefits in some contexts.
Chromium
4 shared conditions · 300 outcomes
Chromium is a mineral that occurs naturally in the earth’s crust and is found in small amounts in a variety of foods. Chromium supplementation seems to enhance the effects of insulin in the body, leading to improvements in insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation in people with insulin resistance. Although chromium has historically been considered an essential nutrient for the human body, current evidence challenges this notion.
L-Carnitine
4 shared conditions · 558 outcomes
L-carnitine can relieve leg pain in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and treat some aspects of metabolic syndrome. Although it’s often also used for fat loss, its effectiveness for that is questionable.
Whey Protein
3 shared conditions · 197 outcomes
Whey protein is one of the two high-quality proteins derived from cow’s milk (casein being the other). Its high digestibility, quick absorption, and well-researched benefits for muscle gain and cardiometabolic health make it a popular protein supplement among athletes and older adults.
Vitamin E
3 shared conditions · 274 outcomes
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage and is found in several common foods. Supplementing with extra vitamin E does not have broad health benefits, except in people with vitamin E deficiency, and long-term high-dose supplementation may cause harm.
Vitamin C
3 shared conditions · 262 outcomes
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is an essential vitamin and a very popular supplement due to its antioxidant properties, safety profile, and low price. Many people supplement with vitamin C because it is believed to reduce symptoms of the common cold.