Botanical: Momordica charantia Bitter Melon: Other common names: Bitter Cucumber, LaGua, Cerasee, Bitter Gourd, Bitter Squash, Karela, Leprosy Gourd, Balsam Pear, Momordica. Used for Blood sugar control. Extracts of Balsam Pear may also be more effective than popular prescription drugs for destroying certain strains of herpes viruses.