Charantin is a chemical substance obtained from the Asianbitter melon (Momordica charantia), reputed to be responsible for the hypoglycaemic properties of those plants. It was identified by Lolitkar and Rao in 1960.[1][2] It was also found in the similar African species M. foetida, by A. Olaniyi in 1975, under the name foetidin.[3]
1 M. M. Lolitkar and M. R. Rajarama Rao (1962). "Note on a Hypoglycaemic Principle Isolated from the fruits of Momordica charantia". Journal of the University of Bombay29: 223–224.
2 Raman, A.; Lau, C. (1996). "Anti-diabetic properties and phytochemistry of Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae)". Phytomedicine 2 (4): 349–62. doi:10.1016/S0944-7113(96)80080-8. PMID23194773.