Abstract
Momordica charantia Linn. is herbal drug that has been mentioned in many medicinal literature. This article discuss about the medicinal values of Momordica charantia Linn. In this communication, we reviewed the Phytochemistry and its applications in the treatment of various ailments like diabetes mellitus, cancer, obesity, Researchers also reported about its teratogenic activity, antigenotoxic, viral, anti inflammatory, anti depressant, anxiolytic, wound healing activity anti feedent activity. The major constituent of the plant are Terpenoids, Proteins, Sterols and Fatty acids, Volatile constituents are identified and isolated active chemical moieties from this plant are α, β and γ momorcharins , momordins a and b momordicin, momordicinin, charantin. This review discusses the investigation by various workers related to chemical constituents, pharmacological action and toxicological studies of this plant since years till date.
Highlights
The plant Momordica charantia Linn is known as bitter gourds, karela, bitter melon and balsam pear
Phytochemistry: M. charantia primarily consists of glycosides, Proteins, Sterols and fatty acids and volatile constituents 10
Anti inflammatory activity : Ganesan et al (2008) reported further that the anti-inflammatory activity was studied by Carrageenin-induced edema in rats and 60 % oedema inhibitions was observed with 300 mg/kg methanol extract of dried leaves of Momordica charantia Linn, which was nearly equivalent to that of 10 mg/kg of indomethacin
Summary
The plant Momordica charantia Linn (family- Cucurbitaceae) is known as bitter gourds, karela, bitter melon and balsam pear. These species include M. angustisepala, M. balsamina (Linn), M. cochinchinensis (Spreng), M. cabrei, M. dioica (Roxb), M. elaterium, M. foetida, M. grosveroni, M. tuberosa or cymbalaria 1. It is a tropical vegetables is a common food in India. Unisexual, tubular 5 lobed, moderate sized, pale yellow to orangish in colour. Leaves - Alternate, petiolate, the blade with [5,6,7] deep palmate lobes and quite variable in size.
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