Bitter Melon is intended to be used to supplement the diet when following programs designed to maintain blood sugar levels. It contains three anti-HIV proteins: alpha- and beta momorcharin, and MAP-30, and charantin, beta-D-Sitosterl-beta-D-glucoside, 5,25-Stigmastadien-3-beta-D-glucoside, serotonin, and many kinds of amino acids. In our Bitter Melon Extract, we use the whole plant; leaves, seeds, vine and melon. Research has found that the leaves are nutritious sources of calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and iron; both the edible fruit and the leaves are great sources of the B vitamins.