Product Brief: 10% Charantin (Bitter Melon Extract)
I. Product Overview
10% Charantin is a brown-yellow fine powder obtained from the ripe fruit of the cucurbit plant bitter melon (*Momordica charantia L.*) through extraction, purification, and spray-drying processes. This product is standardized to contain **≥10% Charantin** (UV method) as the active marker compound.
- Chinese Name: 苦瓜甙 / Bitter Melon Extract
- English Name: Charantin / Bitter Melon Extract
- CAS No.: 57126-62-2
II. Physicochemical Properties
Parameter Specification
Appearance Brown-yellow fine powder
Odor Slight characteristic odor
Solubility Soluble in hot water, ethanol, and ethyl acetate; slightly soluble in ether; poorly soluble in benzene and petroleum ether
Particle Size 80 mesh
III. Active Component
Charantin is the main bioactive component of bitter melon extract. It is an equal-molar mixture of **β-sitosterol-β-D-glucoside** and **5,25-stigmastadienol-3-glucoside**. In addition, the bitter melon fruit is rich in various amino acids (glutamic acid, alanine, phenylalanine, etc.), 5-hydroxytryptamine, pectin, and other natural active substances.
IV. Key Benefits & Applications
4.1 Key Benefits
① Blood Sugar Support – "Plant Insulin"
Charantin is a recognized hypoglycemic active component in bitter melon. Studies have shown that charantin can stimulate insulin release and inhibit intestinal glucose absorption, thereby exerting a blood sugar-lowering effect. This mechanism has auxiliary benefits for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (Type 2 diabetes).
② Lipid Regulation & Weight Management
The bitter melon component is often referred to as a "fat killer," helping to reduce the intake of fats and polysaccharides, with positive effects on weight management and blood lipid regulation.
③ Heat-Clearing & Detoxifying
In traditional Chinese medicine, bitter melon is known for clearing heat, relieving summer heat, nourishing blood, benefiting vital energy, and tonifying the kidneys and spleen. It is used to alleviate symptoms such as heatstroke, fever, sores, swelling, and conjunctivitis.
④ Antioxidant & Immune Modulation
Bitter melon extract exhibits antioxidant, antibacterial, and immune-enhancing properties, helping to protect cell membranes and prevent atherosclerosis.
4.2 Applications
- Dietary Supplements: As a functional ingredient for blood sugar and lipid support, suitable for capsules, tablets, solid beverages, etc.
- Cosmetics: Used in skincare products with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Food Additives: Can be used in the development of functional foods and beverages.
V. Quality Specifications & Testing
- Test Method: UV (Ultraviolet Spectrophotometry) / HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
- Specification: Charantin ≥10% (UV). Other ratios (10:1, 20:1 crude extracts) are also available upon request.
- Shelf Life: 24 months
- Storage Conditions: Keep sealed, protected from light and heat, stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
VI. Packaging & Supply
| Item | Specification |
Packaging Options 1 kg/aluminum foil bag; 25 kg/fiber drum (lined with double-layer plastic bags)
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) 1 kg
Customization Customized specifications and concentrations available upon request
VII. Safety Information
Bitter melon extract is derived from a natural plant source and has a long history of use as both a traditional food and herbal remedy, demonstrating good safety. Compared with synthetic antidiabetic drugs, naturally derived bitter melon extract has **no significant toxic side effects**. It is recommended to use under professional guidance, particularly for individuals taking blood sugar-lowering medications, who should monitor their blood glucose levels.