Synonyms--- Ku Gua (Chinese: 苦瓜), Balsam pear, Bitter gourd, Karela, Karolla, Momordica charantia, Goya Charantin Chemical Name: (Beta-Sitosterol-Beta-D-Glucoside) Molecular Formula: C35H60O6 Mol. Wt.: Molecular Structure:: Momordica charantia is a tropical and subtropical vine of the family Cucurbitaceae, widely grown for edible fruit, which is among the most bitter of all vegetables. English names for the plant and its fruit include bitter melon or bitter gourd (translated from Chinese: 苦瓜; pinyin: kǔguā). Being a relatively common food item, bitter melon was traditionally used for a dazzling array of conditions by people in tropical regions. Numerous infections, cancer, and diabetes are among the most common conditions it was purported to improve. The Bitter Melon Extract used in dietary supplements is derived from the fruit of Momordica charantia L.