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Dietary supplement

Karela Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbal Hills

Karela label
See full label image
Powder Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Karela against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Karela is a dietary supplement by Herbal Hills with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for blood sugar support, diabetes, digestive complaints.Based on those ingredients, 282 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Karela, Powder. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Karela by Herbal Hills

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Karela by Herbal Hills — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Karela by Herbal Hills

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: bitter melon powder. Bitter melon is a tropical vine fruit used in traditional and herbal medicine, and this powder is made from the whole plant material.

There are no other inactive ingredients listed.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Bitter Melon's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Blood sugar and digestive health support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Diabetes, Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes), Dyspepsia, Constipation, Metabolic balance, Glucose metabolism.
  • The closest evidence on file: Bitter Melon is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Constipation (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Bitter Melon is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Diabetes, Dyspepsia, Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes).

The evidence for bitter melon's effectiveness for the conditions it's traditionally used for—including amenorrhea, diabetes, liver disease, constipation, indigestion, and athletic performance—is insufficient in the data we hold to make a reliable rating. That doesn't mean it doesn't work; it means large, well-designed studies backing these uses aren't available yet.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Bitter Melon

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Taken by mouth, bitter melon powder is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are stomach-related—heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, gas, and belly discomfort—and occurred in roughly 3% to 16% of people in clinical studies.

Dizziness, fatigue, and headache have also been reported. There are rare reports of very low blood sugar (hypoglycemic coma) and seizures in children.

One case documented kidney inflammation after long-term use of high-dose bitter melon extract. Because bitter melon can lower blood sugar, it may cause stomach upset in some people.

Traditional use advises against it in pregnancy because seeds and high doses may harm the fetus or trigger contractions; there isn't enough safety data to recommend it while breastfeeding either. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant or nursing and interested in taking this.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Bitter Melon

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Bitter Melon.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 282 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you take this karela powder, double-check your medications against these types: antidiabetes drugs (blood sugar medications), P-glycoprotein substrates, and pazopanib. These carry Moderate severity interactions.

Altogether, these interactions span 275 individual medications.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Karela powder is an herb used traditionally for blood sugar and digestive support, but the scientific evidence for those uses isn't established yet. It's not for anyone taking diabetes medication or pazopanib without close medical oversight.

If you take any regular medications, check them against this product before you start—the interaction list is substantial.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 16, 2022.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Karela, straight from the product label.

Brand Herbal Hills
Barcode (UPC) 8904268816682
Net contents 16 oz; 454 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 16, 2022
DSLD ID 268341
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Halal
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Karela by Herbal Hills, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
3 Gram(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Gram(s)
Servings per container
151
UPC/BARCODE
8904268816682
IngredientAmount% DV
Karela, Powder3 Gram(s)--

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Brand IP Statement(s)

Herbal Hills Back to Nature

General Statements

High Quality Natural Products

MRP is applicable for sales within India only.

Neutral code: MH/AYU/25D-MH/102334

Formula

Momordica Charantia, Bitter Melon/Bitter Gourd, African Cucumber

Halal

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions for use: take 3 gms powder, 1 to 2 times a day

Precautions

Warning: Pregnant or lactating women are advised to consume herbal products under the advice of the healthcare practitioner.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if pouch is broken.

Please consult an expert before use.

Storage

Storage: Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight.

Formulation

Being natural product, color may vary over time as well as from batch to batch however effectiveness remains same.

Pure Nature Effective

Country of Origin: India

Seals/Symbols

QA ICS JAS-ANZ GMP Good Manufacturing Practice Halal India HIW25610218

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Karela by Herbal Hills label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Karela label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Karela by Herbal Hills

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size3 Gram(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container151 Amounts shown are per serving.

Karela, Powder

Interacts with
282 drugs
3 Gram(s) per serving Form: Momordica charantia

Bitter melon is a tropical fruit eaten as food and used in traditional medicine, most often for blood sugar control. While some small studies hint it...

Karela, Powder monograph & interactions
Interaction report

Karela by Herbal Hills Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Karela?

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282Drugs
282 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Karela, Powder 282

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Karela interact with 282 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Karela interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Karela, Powder

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Karela with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Karela, Powder3 drug types · 282 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Taking bitter melon with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Bitter melon can lower blood glucose levels and might have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs. This might increase the risk of hypoglycemia in some patients. Monitor blood glucose levels closely.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, bitter melon might increase levels of P-glycoprotein substrates.
Bitter melon might inhibit the p-glycoprotein (P-gp) intestinal pump and increase intracellular levels of P-gp substrates. In vitro research in intestinal cells shows that 1-monopalmitin, a constituent of bitter melon, increases levels of daunomycin, a P-gp substrate. Additionally, drinking bitter melon juice has been associated with a case of acute pancreatitis in a patient who had been taking pazopanib, a P-gp substrate, for 8 years. Researchers theorize that inhibition of P-gp led to increased levels of pazopanib, resulting in pazopanib-induced pancreatitis.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Pazopanib (Votrient)

Theoretically, bitter melon might increase levels of pazopanib, potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects.
In one case, a 65-year-old patient taking pazopanib for 8 years for renal cell carcinoma experienced signs and symptoms consistent with acute pancreatitis 4 days after drinking bitter melon juice at a dose of 100-150 mL daily. The patient's symptoms, amylase levels, and lipase levels improved upon discontinuation of bitter melon and pazopanib. Pazopanib treatment was re-initiated with no further evidence of pancreatitis. Researchers theorize that inhibition of P-glycoprotein by bitter melon led to increased levels of pazopanib, a P-glycoprotein substrate, resulting in pazopanib-induced pancreatitis.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Karela, Powder full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Karela, from the product label.

Herbal Hills

See all Herbal Hills products
Name
Stelcore Management Services LLC (Importer)
Street Address
8 Green Suite 5766
City
Dover
State
Delaware
ZipCode
19901
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Karela by Herbal Hills: Common Questions

Does Karela by Herbal Hills interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Karela has a known interaction with 282 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Karela contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Will this lower my blood sugar if I'm not diabetic?
Bitter melon can lower blood glucose on its own. If you don't have diabetes, this could theoretically drop your blood sugar too far and cause dizziness, weakness, or shakiness. That said, there's no established evidence of how much effect the powder itself has in most people. If you have low blood sugar symptoms after taking it, stop and eat something, then talk to us.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or nursing?
The data advises against bitter melon in pregnancy because seeds and high doses may cause harm. There isn't enough safety information to recommend it while breastfeeding, either. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this is right for you if you're pregnant or nursing.
What are the most common side effects?
Gastrointestinal upset is most common—heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, and belly discomfort happened in about 3% to 16% of people taking bitter melon in studies. Dizziness, fatigue, and headache have also been reported. These usually aren't serious, but let us know if they don't settle down.
Does bitter melon actually work for diabetes?
There isn't enough reliable evidence yet to say whether bitter melon works for diabetes. It does lower blood sugar in some traditional use and lab studies, which is why it interacts with diabetes medications—but large clinical trials backing its effectiveness aren't in our data.
Is this powder safe to take long-term?
Bitter melon is generally well tolerated as food and in supplement amounts, but one case report documented kidney inflammation after several months of high-dose extract. If you're thinking of taking this regularly, talk with your pharmacist or doctor first, especially if you have kidney concerns.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Karela label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Karela’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Bitter Melon

Interacts with 282 drugs

Bitter melon is a tropical fruit eaten as food and used in traditional medicine, most often for blood sugar control. While some small studies hint it may modestly lower blood sugar, the evid...

Read the full Bitter Melon monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Karela's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 18 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Bitter Melon 18 references
  1. Leatherdale B, Panesar RK, Singh G, et al. Improvement in glucose tolerance due to Momordica charantia. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;282:1823-4.
  2. Welihinda J, et al. Effect of Momordica charantia on the glucose tolerance in maturity onset diabetes. J Ethnopharmacol 1986;17:277-82. PubMed
  3. Srivastava Y, Venkatakrishna-Bhatt H, Verma Y, et al. Antidiabetic and adaptogenic properties of Momordica charantia extract: An experimental and clinical evaluation. Phytother Res 1993;7:285-9.
  4. Baldwa VS, Bhandari CM, Pangaria A, Goyal RK. Clinical trial in patients with diabetes mellitus of an insulin-like compound obtained from plant sources. Ups J Med Sci 1977;82:39-41. PubMed
  5. Aslam M, Stockley IH. Interaction between curry ingredient (karela) and drug (chlorpropamide). Lancet 1979:1:607. PubMed
  6. Ahmad N, Hassan MR, Halder H, Bennoor KS. Effect of Momordica charantia (Karolla) extracts on fasting and postprandial serum glucose levels in NIDDM patients (abstract). Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 1999;25:11-3.
  7. Basch E, Gabardi S, Ulbricht C. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia): a review of efficacy and safety. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2003;60:356-9. PubMed
  8. Yin RV, Lee NC, Hirpara H, Phung OJ. T. The effect of bitter melon (Mormordica charantia) in patients with diabetes mellitus: s systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Diabetes. 2014;4:e145.
  9. Rahman IU, Khan RU, Rahman KU, Bashir M. Lower hypoglycemic but higher antiatherogenic effects of bitter melon than glibenclamide in type 2 diabetic patients. Nutr J. 2015;14:13. PubMed
  10. Alam MA, Uddin R, Subhan N, Rahman MM, Jain P, Reza HM. Beneficial role of bitter melon supplementation in obesity and related complications in metabolic syndrome. J Lipids. 2015;2015:496169. PubMed
  11. Konishi T, Satsu H, Hatsugai Y, et al. Inhibitory effect of a bitter melon extract on the P-glycoprotein activity in intestinal Caco-2 cells. Br J Pharmacol. 2004;143(3):379-87. PubMed
  12. Peter EL, Kasali FM, Deyno S, et al. Momordica charantia L. lowers elevated glycaemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2019;231:311-24. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.10.033. PubMed
  13. Cortez-Navarrete M, Martínez-Abundis E, Pérez-Rubio KG, González-Ortiz M, Méndez-Del Villar M. Momordica charantia administration improves insulin secretion in type 2 diabetes mellitus. J Med Food. 2018;21(7):672-7. doi: 10.108
  14. Kim SK, Jung J, Jung JH, et al. Hypoglycemic efficacy and safety of Momordica charantia (bitter melon) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Complement Ther Med. 2020 Aug;52:102524. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102524. PubMed
  15. Unsal O, Sütcüoglu O, Yazici O. Dangerous interaction of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) with pazopanib: a case of acute pancreatitis. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2022;28(2):486-8.
  16. Bae W, Kim S, Choi J, et al. Acute interstitial nephritis associated with ingesting a Momordica charantia extract: a case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021;100(27):e26606. PubMed
  17. Chattopadhyay K, Wang H, Kaur J, et al. Effectiveness and Safety of Ayurvedic Medicines in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:821810. Published 2022 Jun 8. PubMed
  18. Kim B, Lee HS, Kim HJ, et al. Momordica charantia (bitter melon) efficacy and safety on glucose metabolism in Korean prediabetes participants: a 12-week, randomized clinical study. Food Sci Biotechnol 2022;32(5):697-704. PubMed

See these in context on the Bitter Melon monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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