Are there any side effects of lauki juice? A comprehensive guide

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

Reports from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and other medical journals have documented severe cases of bottle gourd poisoning, with some leading to death, from the ingestion of bitter-tasting lauki juice. Despite its widespread use as a health tonic, this serious risk raises a vital question: are there any side effects of lauki juice beyond its potential bitterness that consumers need to be aware of? This article explores the dangers, cautions, and safe practices for consuming bottle gourd juice.

Quick Summary

While typically a nutritious drink, lauki juice can be extremely toxic if it tastes bitter due to harmful cucurbitacin compounds. Safe consumption requires tasting a small piece first to avoid severe gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, and shock.

Key Points

Bitter Juice is Highly Toxic: Bitter-tasting lauki juice contains poisonous cucurbitacin compounds that can cause severe illness or death.
Always Taste-Test First: The most important safety rule is to taste a small piece of raw lauki before juicing or cooking; discard the entire gourd if it is bitter.
Causes Severe Gastric Distress: Symptoms of lauki juice poisoning include severe abdominal pain, vomiting (sometimes with blood), and diarrhea.
Affects Blood Pressure and Sugar: The juice can lower blood pressure and blood sugar, which is dangerous for those with pre-existing low blood pressure or diabetes on medication.
Consume Fresh and in Moderation: Always drink freshly prepared, non-bitter juice and avoid excessive consumption to prevent milder side effects like gas or bloating.
Avoid Mixing With Other Juices: Do not mix lauki juice with other bitter juices, like bitter gourd (karela), as this increases the risk of toxicity.

The Primary Danger: Cucurbitacin Toxicity

For most people, lauki (or bottle gourd) is a harmless and nutritious vegetable. However, under certain environmental stress conditions, such as high temperatures or poor watering, the plant can produce high levels of toxic, tetracyclic triterpenoid compounds called cucurbitacins. These compounds are responsible for the unpleasant bitter taste and are highly cytotoxic to humans.

Ingesting even a small amount of bitter lauki juice can trigger a severe toxic reaction within minutes to hours, often described as food poisoning. Unlike harmless bitter foods, this reaction can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. The most common and dangerous symptoms include:

Severe abdominal pain and cramping.
Intense, uncontrollable vomiting, which can include blood (hematemesis).
Profuse diarrhea, sometimes with blood.
Shock and dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension).
Gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration, visible via endoscopy.
Organ damage, including elevated liver enzymes and temporary renal failure.

In documented cases from India, medical authorities have issued advisories warning against consuming bitter bottle gourd and advising consumers to seek hospital care immediately if they experience any symptoms.

Other Potential Side Effects

Beyond the rare but severe risk of cucurbitacin poisoning from bitter gourds, even non-bitter lauki juice can have side effects, especially with excessive or unregulated consumption.

Hypoglycemia Risk

Lauki juice is known for its ability to help regulate blood sugar levels, a benefit often cited for managing diabetes. However, this effect can be a side effect for individuals on diabetic medication. Overconsumption or consuming the juice on an empty stomach can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, leading to hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include dizziness, fatigue, and headaches.

Low Blood Pressure

Just as it helps those with high blood pressure, lauki juice can have a hypotensive effect. For individuals who already have low blood pressure (hypotension), drinking lauki juice, particularly in large quantities, can cause a further drop, leading to symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.

Gastrointestinal Distress

For people with sensitive digestive systems, the high fiber and water content in lauki juice might cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort. This can manifest as bloating, gas, or indigestion, especially if consumed in large amounts or at night when digestion is slower.

Allergic Reactions

While less common, some individuals may have an allergic reaction to bottle gourd. Symptoms can include skin rashes, itching, or swelling. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should stop consumption immediately and consult a healthcare provider.

Liver and Kidney Strain

Excessive intake of lauki juice can potentially put a strain on the liver and kidneys, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions affecting these organs. While lauki is generally used to support these organs, overconsumption can be counterproductive. It is crucial to consult a doctor before incorporating it into your daily routine if you have existing liver or kidney issues.

Safe vs. Unsafe Lauki Juice: A Comparison


Aspect	Normal (Sweet) Lauki Juice	Bitter (Unsafe) Lauki Juice
Taste	Mild, neutral, or slightly nutty.	Unusually harsh, astringent, or excessively bitter.
Cause	Normal plant growth.	Environmental stress (drought, high temps) leading to high cucurbitacin levels.
Safety	Considered safe for consumption in moderation.	Highly toxic and dangerous; should never be consumed.
Preparation	Made from fresh, firm, and non-bitter gourd.	Often made from old, stored, or improperly grown gourds, or mixed with other bitter ingredients.
Health Impact	Offers benefits like hydration, digestion aid, and blood pressure support.	Causes severe gastrointestinal distress, internal bleeding, hypotension, and potential for shock or death.

How to Safely Prepare and Consume Lauki Juice

To mitigate the serious risks associated with bitter bottle gourd, follow these essential safety guidelines:

Always Taste-Test Before Juicing
- Before preparing juice or any dish, cut a small piece of the raw lauki and taste it. If there is even a hint of bitterness, discard the entire gourd immediately. This is the most crucial step to ensure safety.
Choose Fresh, Healthy Gourds
- Select bottle gourds that are firm and feel heavy for their size. Avoid those that appear withered, bruised, or discolored, as these may be more susceptible to producing toxins.
Do Not Mix With Other Bitter Juices
- Health experts and the ICMR strongly advise against mixing lauki juice with other bitter juices like karela (bitter gourd), as this can exacerbate toxicity.
Drink Freshly Made Juice Only
- Do not store lauki juice for later consumption. It should be prepared and drunk immediately to ensure freshness and prevent oxidation. If you cannot finish it, discard the remainder.
Consume in Moderation
- While nutritious, overconsumption can still lead to mild gastrointestinal issues, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. Stick to small, regular portions rather than excessive amounts.
Consult a Healthcare Professional
- If you have a pre-existing medical condition, such as diabetes, low blood pressure, or liver/kidney issues, consult your doctor before making lauki juice a regular part of your diet.

Conclusion: The Final Word on Lauki Juice Safety

While celebrated for its nutritional benefits, the risks associated with bitter lauki juice are serious and potentially fatal. The presence of toxic cucurbitacins in bitter gourds can cause severe gastrointestinal bleeding, organ damage, and even death. While the occurrence is rare, the severity makes proper precautions non-negotiable. The golden rule is simple: if it tastes bitter, discard it. For those enjoying a normal, sweet-tasting lauki juice, moderation is key, especially for individuals with underlying health issues like diabetes or hypotension. By always taste-testing and being mindful of your body's response, you can enjoy the healthy aspects of this versatile vegetable safely.

For more detailed medical information on cucurbitacin toxicity, see the Indian Journal of Gastroenterology's study: Gastrointestinal toxicity due to bitter bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) - a report of 15 cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, drinking lauki juice is dangerous if it tastes bitter. The bitterness indicates high levels of toxic cucurbitacin compounds, which can cause severe food poisoning, internal bleeding, and even death.

If you taste any bitterness in lauki juice, you should immediately spit it out and discard the rest. Do not try to mask the bitter taste with other ingredients, as this will not neutralize the toxins.

To ensure lauki is safe, always cut a small piece from the gourd and taste it before juicing. If the piece is bland or mildly sweet, it is safe. If it is bitter, it must be thrown away.

Yes, lauki juice has properties that can lower blood sugar levels. For individuals with diabetes, especially those on medication, drinking lauki juice can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It is essential to consult a doctor before adding it to your diet.

Yes, lauki juice can have a hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) effect. If you have naturally low blood pressure, consuming large quantities of the juice could cause a dangerously low drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness or fainting.

The early signs of lauki juice poisoning include nausea, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms can appear within minutes to hours after consuming the bitter juice.

Individuals with low blood pressure, diabetics, pregnant women, and people with existing kidney or liver conditions should be cautious or consult a doctor before consuming lauki juice. Anyone who has had a previous allergic reaction should also avoid it.