Evaluation of phytochemicals and anti-diabetic activities of large and small-fruited bitter gourd

Abstract

Fifty genotypes of small-fruited bitter gourd were evaluated along with large-fruited bitter gourd for yield parameters and anti-diabetic activity. In MCM 25, it was noted that the first male flower (33.81 days) and female flower (38.67 days) opened earlier. The wide variation was recorded in colour, shape and size of flowers, shape, colour, size, weight and tubercles of fruits and shape, size and colour of seeds. The number of fruits/plant was significantly higher in MCM 1 (44.59) followed by MCM 16 (44.37).MCM 45 recorded the highest individual fruit weight (9.70 g), followed by MCM 41 (8.50).MCM 47 recorded significantly higher number of seeds/fruit (13.74) followed by MCM 39 (10.78) and MCM 11 (10.55). In the methanolic extract of immature fruits of the small-fruited bitter gourd genotypes, MCM 1 and MCM 37, GC-MS analysis found 21 phytochemical components. The anti-diabetic compounds viz., stigmasterol and ß-sitosterol were identified in the immature fruits of MCM 1 and MCM 37. DPPH radical scavenging activity was higher in methanolic extract of immature fruits of MCM 10 with IC50 of 77.84 pg/ml followed by MCM 39 with IC50 of 86.53 pg/ml. The highest inhibition of a-glucosidase was recorded in methanolic extract of the immature fruits of MCM 43 with IC50 of 55.25 pg/ml followed by MCM 50 with IC50 of 56.25 pg/ml. The high yielding small-fruited bitter gourd genotypes with enhanced antidiabetic action can be successfully used in breeding programmes for developing new varieties and hybrids for diabetes patients.