Factor21® (Bitter Melon Extract — Verdure Sciences)

Momordica charantia
Evidence Level
Limited
1 Clinical Trial
3 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Factor21® is a bitter melon (Momordica charantia) extract from Verdure Sciences, standardized to momordicosides and positioned to support energy metabolism through the FGF21 pathway and AMPK. Bitter melon is traditionally used to support healthy blood sugar, the basis for Factor21's metabolic positioning.

Studied Dose Per the product specification.
Active Compound Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) extract standardized to momordicosides.

Benefits

Healthy blood sugar

Bitter melon is studied for supporting healthy blood sugar and insulin sensitivity, the core of Factor21's metabolic positioning.

Energy metabolism

Factor21 is positioned to support the FGF21 pathway and AMPK, key regulators of how the body uses energy and fat.

Metabolic and weight support

By supporting glucose handling and energy metabolism, the extract is positioned to aid overall metabolic health and weight management.

Mechanism of action

1

AMPK and FGF21 activation

Bitter melon momordicosides are studied for activating AMPK and the FGF21 pathway, which promote glucose uptake and fat metabolism.

2

Insulin-like glucose support

Bitter melon contains compounds studied for supporting cellular glucose uptake, helping maintain healthy blood sugar.

Clinical trials

1
Bitter Melon and Glycemic Control — Meta-Analysis
PubMed

Systematic review and meta-analysis of Momordica charantia on glycemic control and lipid profile. (Zhang et al. 2024, Heliyon)

Adults across multiple trials.

Bitter melon supplementation supported glycemic control and lipid measures; Factor21 is a standardized bitter melon extract.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated.
Mild digestive upset is occasionally reported.
May lower blood sugar; monitor if you are prone to low blood sugar.

Important Drug interactions

Diabetes medication — may add to blood-sugar lowering; monitor closely.
Tell your doctor if you take insulin or other glucose-lowering drugs.
Use caution if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions about Factor21® (Bitter Melon Extract — Verdure Sciences)

What is Factor21?

Factor21® is a bitter melon (Momordica charantia) extract from Verdure Sciences, standardized to momordicosides and positioned to support energy metabolism through the FGF21 pathway and AMPK. Bitter melon is traditionally used to support healthy blood sugar, the basis for Factor21's metabolic positioning.

What is Factor21 used for?

Factor21 is researched primarily for Metabolic Health and Weight Management. Bitter melon is studied for supporting healthy blood sugar and insulin sensitivity, the core of Factor21's metabolic positioning.

What is the recommended dosage of Factor21?

The clinically studied dose is Per the product specification. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Factor21 safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Factor21 is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated. Mild digestive upset is occasionally reported. It may also interact with some medications. Factor21 is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Factor21 interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Diabetes medication — may add to blood-sugar lowering; monitor closely. Tell your doctor if you take insulin or other glucose-lowering drugs. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Factor21?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Factor21 as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 1 clinical trial and 1 cited reference summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(1 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Zhang X, Zhao Y, Song Y, Miao M. Effects of Momordica charantia L. supplementation on glycemic control and lipid profile: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon. 2024;10(10):e31126..PubMedUsed to support: Meta-analysis supporting bitter melon for glycemic control (Factor21 is a standardized bitter melon extract).