What is bitter melon extract?

Bitter melon extract is a natural substance used to treat several digestive and metabolic disorders, according to WebMD. The extract, which is used to manufacture medicine, comes from the fruit and seeds of a plant and contains a chemical that functions like insulin to help regulate blood sugar levels.

As WebMD explains, bitter melon is used to treat multiple digestive disorders, including ulcers, constipation and intestinal worms. It is also used in treating fever, kidney stones, liver disease and as a supplemental treatment for HIV/AIDS patients. WebMD states that bitter melon is also used as a topical treatment for deep skin infections and wounds.