The carotenoid-rich oriental melon, or chamoe, is host to a number of significant bioactive compounds and exerts potent anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, analgesic, and cardioprotective properties.

Traditional Korean medicine utilizes chamoe as both functional nutrition and an agent to tonify the spleen, enhance the endocrine system, and cool the liver and stomach. The leaves, stems, pulp, peel, and seeds are used in various decoctions to address conditions such as jaundice, acute gastritis, mental disorders, and fever.

Research corroborates the bioactive functionality and medicinal use of chamoe; compounds present in its seeds exhibit cytotoxicity against liver and breast cancer cell lines, as well as inhibit alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase activity to manage or prevent metabolic syndrome and diabetic hyperglycemia.