Variation of Phytochemical Content and Antioxidant Capacity of Domesticated and Non-Domesticated Momordica Charantia L. Populations in Different Maturity Stages

Abstract

Momordica charantia Linn. commonly known as bitter melon or bitter gourd is an annual plant, belongs to family Cucurbitaceae. Bitter gourd possesses antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antivirus, and cholesterol lowering effects. The content and composition of bioactive molecules are varied according to the plant parts and maturity levels of the plant. However, phytochemical distribution of leaves and fruits at different maturity stages of domesticated and non-domesticated populations of M. charantia populations cultivated in Sri Lanka is scattered or lacking. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine the phytochemical distribution of leaves and fruits of domesticated and non-domesticated populations of M. charantia at different maturity stages. Fruits were harvested at three different maturity stages viz. 10 days (immature), 20 days (mature) and 30 days (ripen) after fruit set. Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) were determined using Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay, modified Folin-Ciocalteu colourimetric method and the colourimetric method respectively. Results revealed that TPC and TAC were higher in immature stages and decreased with the maturity. However, values were slightly increased at ripening stage. Significantly higher TPC, TFC and TAC were reported in leaves than fruits. In conclusion, since most of the tested phytochemicals were high in immature fruits and leaves of domesticated and non-domesticated populations of Momordica charantia, immature fruits and leaves can be recommended for the production of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals with elevated therapeutic activity.