Momordica Charantia Research Articles

Response of Nutrient Spray and Pruning on Growth, Yield and Quality of Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

A field experiment was conducted at Research Farm, Department of Agriculture (Horticulture), Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Mewar University Gangrar, Chittorgarh (Rajasthan) during summer season of 2023-24 to response of nutrient spray and pruning on growth, yield and quality of bitter gourd variety “Arka Harit ‟ was used in this study. The result revealed that the both levels maximum vine length (192.29 and 187.26 cm), number of branches per plant (8.98 and 8.79), minimum appearance of first female flower (44.43 and 44.75 days) and yield parameter such as maximum number of fruit per plant (17.04 and 16.67), length of fruit (13.14 and 13.09 cm), girth of fruit (4.24 and 4.29 cm), average fruit weight (85.04 and 84.26 g), fruit yield (10.79 and 10.74 t/ha) and quality parameters such as leaf chlorophyll content (1.24 and 1.24 mg/g), TSS (2.67 and 2.65 0Brix), Vitamin C (69.20 and 68.93 mg/100 g) recorded with treatment combination of 3% spray and pruning at 9 nods. Therefore, it was concluded that the application of 3% spray and pruning at 9 nods found superior to all treatment.

STUDI KEANEKARAGAMAN OLAH TUMBUHAN BERKHASIAT OBAT DI KELURAHAN PASAR TELUKDALAM KECAMATAN TELUKDALAM

Based on the research focus, it aims to study the diversity of plants with medicinal properties in Pasar Telukdalam Village, Telukdalam District. This research aims to find out what types of medicinal plants are used by the community in Pasar Telukdalam Pasar Telukdalam Village as well as their benefits and what diseases can be cured. This type of research is qualitative with a case study approach. This research data was analyzed using data reduction, verification and drawing conclusions. The results of this research are that the types of medicinal plants used by the community in Pasar Telukdalam Village are ginger, turmeric, bitter gourd and galangal. Diseases that can be cured by medicinal plants that are used by people in Telukdalam Market Village are the ability to soothe a dry throat, overcome flatulence, overcome high stomach acid and are very good for helping to overcome coughs, shortness of breath, due to asthma, helping to relieve breathing, helps overcome nasal congestion and relieves the effects of a throbbing head due to flu. Suggestions for the community, it is hoped that this research can provide information to the community in using medicinal plants in Pasar Telukdalam Village, Telukdalam District and for Nias Raya University, it is hoped that the results of this research can enrich and add sources of information for Nias Raya University students, especially in plant processing. medicinal properties.

Biological Evaluation of Cucumis trigonus (Roxb.) for Memory Enhancing Activity in Scopolamine-induced Amnesia in Mice

Introduction: Plants have been employed for centuries to enhance human health due to their cost-effectiveness and minimal adverse effects. Numerous plants exhibit a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities, and various herbal medicines are currently being investigated for their memory-enhancing properties. Method: Cucumis trigonus (Roxb.), commonly known as Kachari or Bitter gourd, is one such plant with diverse pharmacological attributes. Historically, the fruits of C. trigonus have been utilized for addressing various conditions like leprosy, pyrexia, icterus, hyperglycemia, chronic cough, bronchitis, abdominal fluid accumulation, anemia, obstipation, diverse gastrointestinal disease, and cognitive impairment. The current investigation aims to explore the memory enhancement properties of C. trigonus, rooted in its traditional applications, particularly against scopolamine-induced amnesia in mice. Morris water maze and elevated plus maze paradigms were employed to evaluate cognitive performance. Furthermore, the research examined acetylcholine neurotransmission, oxidative stress markers, and cerebral histopathology. Result: The results showed that C. trigonus ethanol extract (dose- 150 or 300 mg/kg., p.o.), markedly (p<0.05) improved memory in scopolamine-induced amnesia in mice and significantly (p<0.05) elevated hippocampus acetylcholine concentration. These findings revealed that the ethanol extract of C. trigonus fruits mitigates memory deficits and demonstrates neuroprotective efficacy analogous to the reference drug Piracetam. Additionally, the extract showed notable in vivo antioxidant activity. The occurrence of flavonoids and phenols is likely to be responsible for its memory-enhancing effects due to their antioxidant properties, which help to prevent the loss of neurons. Conclusion: These results support the efficacy and potential of C. trigonus ethanol extract as an affordable alternative form of herbal medicine for the treatment of Amnesia.

Genome-Wide Analysis of the Serine Carboxypeptidase-like (SCPL) Protein Family of Bitter Gourd and Functional Validation of McSCPL22 in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Momordicae (FOM) Resistance

Bitter gourd is increasingly being recognized for its value as a vegetable and medicinal use, but the molecular mechanisms of pathogen resistance remain relatively poorly understood. The serine carboxypeptidase-like (SCPL) protein family plays a key role in plant growth, pathogen defense, and so on. However, a comprehensive identification and functional characterization of the SCPL gene family has yet to be conducted in bitter melon. In this study, 32 SCPL genes were identified in bitter gourd and divided into three classes. The number of SCPL genes contained in the three clusters was 7, 7, and 18, respectively. Most SCPL gene promoters contain cis-acting elements with light, hormone, and stress responses. The RNA sequencing data showed that the expression of several SCPL genes changed significantly after pathogen infection. In particular, expression of the McSCPL4, 10, 17, 22, and 25 genes increased substantially in the resistant varieties after infection, and their expression levels were higher than those in the susceptible varieties. These results suggested that genes such as McSCPL4, 10, 17, 22, and 25 may play a significant role in conferring resistance to fungal infections. Moreover, the expression levels of the McSCPL10, 17, 22, 23, and 25 genes were likewise significantly changed after being induced by salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA). In situ hybridization showed that McSCPL22 was expressed in the vascular tissues of infected plants, which largely overlapped with the location of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Momordicae (FOM) infection and the site of hydrogen peroxide production. Our results showed that McSCPL22 may be involved in the regulation of the SA and JA pathways and enhance resistance to FOM in bitter gourd plants. This is the first study to perform SCPL gene family analysis in bitter gourd. McSCPL22 may have the potential to enhance FOM resistance in bitter gourd, and further investigation into its function is warranted. The results of this study may enhance the yield and molecular breeding of bitter gourd.

Antioxidant activities of developed natural smoothies and their effects on blood glucose levels and expression of pro-inflammatory genes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Fruits and vegetables are laden with antioxidants and have been used to quench reactive oxygen species. The combination of two or more fruits and vegetables to produce smoothies is expected to yield a synergistic effect that could further improve functionality. This study investigated the antioxidative and blood glucose-lowering potentials of smoothies made from selected fruits and vegetables as well as their effect on the expression of pro-inflammatory genes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Standard procedures were used for the in vitro antioxidant determination while pancreas tissue was excised for molecular study. The inclusion of beetroot increased the total phenolic contents by 30-50% while the flavonoid content was increased by more than 3-fold. Similarly, smoothies with beetroot and bitter gourd exhibited stronger free radical scavenging abilities as shown by DPPH (1, 1- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid), Nitric oxide (NO) scavenging ability, metal chelation (Fe2+) and ferric reducing antioxidant properties (FRAP) compared to the sample devoid of the duo. The blood glucose levels of the rats fed the smoothie were significantly lowered with a similar trend in the animals that were administered metformin. The smoothies significantly (p<0.05) reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content thus reducing lipid peroxidation in the animals. The endogenous antioxidant enzymes; catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in the pancreas were all significantly (p<0.05) increased when the animals were fed smoothies. The expression of pro-inflammatory genes, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, was down-regulated in the animals fed with smoothies. The findings showed that the smoothies made from the combination have the potential for managing type-2 diabetes mellitus.Graphical

SSR markers based QTL mapping and genetic analysis for yield and yield-attributing traits in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

The present study was conducted for QTL mapping for yield and other yield attributing traits in bitter gourd using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. A total of 630 SSR markers were screened for polymorphism in two contrasting parents (DBGS-2 and Pusa Purvi), out of which only 35 were polymorphic. F1 plants (10 individuals) in which hybridity was ascertained (using these polymorphic markers); were further employed for development of mapping population (F2) consisting of 120 plants. Higher variation was present in the mapping population as evident from the wider range value of the characters. Continuous frequency distribution classes combined with bell-shaped, symmetrical normal distribution curve, revealed the quantitative inheritance nature of the traits studied. Higher PCV than the GCV for all the traits, along with high difference between the PCV and GCV for majority of traits indicated higher influence of environment in expression of these traits in the mapping population. Presence of transgressive segregation was also noted for majority of the traits. Amongst the various linkage groups (LG), LG 4 had the maximum number of markers, covering 171.07 cM map distance. LG4 also possessed the maximum number (nine) of QTLs while LG1 had six. QTL mapping using polymorphic SSRs resulted in detection of a total of 28 QTLs for fourteen traits viz. yield per plant (kg), earliness or flower related traits (node to first female flower, node to first male flower, days to first male flower, male to female flower ratio), fruit traits (fruit number per plant, fruit diameter (cm), fruit length/ diameter ratio, pericarp thickness (mm) and number of seed per fruit) and vegetative traits (internodal length (cm), number of primary branches, leaf width (cm), length and width ratio). The LOD score of these QTLs ranged from 3.01 to 64.47, the total phenotypic variances (PVE) ranged from 1.52 to 34.57 % and additive effects ranged from –3.69 to 17.07. Of the total, nineteen were major QTLs, having PVE >10 %. Three QTLs were detected for yield per plant while a total of seven for the traits imparting earliness viz. days to first male flower, node to first female flower and node to first male flower. Amongst all the QTLs detected, qFrtLDR-4-1 (K) had the maximum LOD (64.47) and PVE (34.57 %) value. Two hotspots were detected with multiple QTLs clustered in the LG 1. The first hotspot possessed four QTLs [qLfW-1-1, qMFR-1-1 (K), qSPF-1-1, qNFmlF-1-1 (K)] while the second had two related to yield per plant [qYldpl-1-1 (K) and qYldpl-1-1]. Many of these QTLs are also being reported for the first time in bitter gourd. The findings of the present study can be used to fasten the bitter gourd improvement by utilizing these in MAS, DNA fingerprinting, genetic mapping, genomics analysis etc.

Stability and release kinetics of nanoliposomes containing bitter melon fruit extract at different temperatures and pH values, and in simulated gastrointestinal conditions

In this study, the nanoliposomes loaded with bitter melon extract were synthesized at different concentrations of lecithin (1, 3, and 5 g/100 g) and extract (0.5 and 1 g/100 g). Thermal properties of nanoliposomes and their stability at various pH values and temperatures, as well as under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, were assessed. The results showed that an increase in the concentration of lecithin and extract elevated the melting temperature of the nanoliposomes. The release of the extract increased at high temperatures, and it was more pronounced at pH=3 than the other pH values. Also, the release followed a continuous and gradual trend under the simulated gastrointestinal conditions, slower in gastric conditions than in intestinal. Additionally, it was reduced at higher concentrations of lecithin and extract in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The release kinetics of the extract followed different models based on temperature and pH. In conclusion, nanoliposomes were suitable and highly stable carriers for the bitter melon extract encapsulation. Moreover, the controlled release of the extract from the nanoliposomes could be properly evaluated in model systems and foodstuffs using empirical models.

IN SILICO ANALYSIS OF MOMORDICA CHARANTIA L. AS ANTIDIABETIC AGENTS THROUGH ACTIVATION OF HUMAN UDP-GALACTOSE 4-EPIMERASE RECEPTORS

This study investigates the antidiabetic potential of compounds found in Momordica charantia L., commonly known as bitter melon, through molecular docking and ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion) analysis. Utilizing in silico methods, several bioactive compounds from bitter melon, such as charantin, vicine, momordenol, momordicilin, and momordicoside, were evaluated for their ability to interact with the human UDP-Galactose 4-Epimerase receptor, a key enzyme involved in glucose metabolism. The docking results indicate that these compounds exhibit strong binding affinities, suggesting their role in glucose regulation. Further ADME analysis revealed that the compounds generally comply with the Lipinski Rule of Five, indicating favorable drug-like properties, though some compounds exhibited potential toxicities requiring further investigation. These findings highlight the potential of Momordica charantia as a source of antidiabetic agents, warranting additional in vivo and clinical studies to confirm their efficacy and safety in managing diabetes mellitus.

Medicinal Plants Approach for Diabetes Mellitus-A Computational Model

The multidimensional metabolic syndrome that includes diabetes mellitus poses a serious threat to world health. There is an increasing interest in researching herbal remedies for their possible therapeutic advantages, even as traditional allopathic treatments continue to be widely used. This work throws light on the multiple ways of metabolism and biochemical interactions of medicinal plants in the control of glucose level, highlighting their crucial role in the process. The work clarifies several herbal extracts' efficacy and safety profiles, such as Aloe vera, Garlic, Gurmar, Bitter Melon, Neem, Tulsi, and through a thorough literature review and empirical evidence. These plants, which are abundant in bioactive substances like tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, show promise in treating insulin resistance, improving pancreatic function, and controlling blood sugar level. A further assessment of the rising risk associated with diabetes mellitus is discussed, and a differential equation model for diabetes mellitus is developed to minimize the complications. When using medicinal plants to treat diabetes, several factors are considered, including blood sugar level, sugar intake activity, and plasma insulin concentrations. The stability criterion for the mathematical model is examined through the system of differential equations. A representation highlighting the medicinal plants that can aid individuals with diabetes mellitus is provided. The blood sugar level, insulin generalization variable and plasma insulin concentration have all been measured at different points in time. Aloe vera, Gurmar, Garlic, Tulsi, Bitter Melon and Neem are among the medicinal plants selected for their demonstrated anti-hyperglycemic properties due to their easy availability in India. Mathematical solutions were calculated for every plant and proved to be steady.

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by diabetes patients attending the Teaching Hospital, Jaffna, Sri Lanka

The scope of this study is to describe the ethnobotany of medicinal plants used in the management of diabetes mellitus (DM) among diabetic patients attending the Teaching Hospital, Jaffna. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 388 patients attending the medical clinic of Teaching Hospital, Jaffna, using systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using a validated structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and were analysed to generate the summary of the percentages using descriptive statistics. Family Important Value (FIV) and Related Frequency Citation (RFC) were calculated to quantitatively determine the common consent between the informants on the use of endemic medicinal plants in the division. A total of 59 species belonging to 33 families were reported by 329 diabetic patients with the response rate of 100%. Among them Moringa oleifera Lamk. (142) was stated as the species with the highest RFC value, followed by Gymnema sylvestre (105), Momordica charantia Linn. (104). Moringaceae was the most dominant family with FIV 43.16. The value of RFC of the plants mentioned in this survey varied from 0.003 to 0.432. Moringa oleifera Lamk. showed the highest RFC value (0.432). In this study, 29 plant species used for DM management were reported for the first time in Sri Lanka. Further, antidiabetic property of Achyranthus polygonoides, Argyreia pomacea Wall. ex Choisy and Cassia tomentosa are yet to be investigated. These findings facilitate the documentation and the conservation of medicinal plants used for DM by the patients in Teaching Hospital, Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Moreover this study open doors for phytochemical screening and identification of new antidiabetic active compounds.

Analysis of combining ability and extent of heterosis for yield and its related traits in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

Analysis of combining ability and extent of heterosis for yield and its related traits in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

Exploring the Antidiabetic and Antihypertensive Potential of Peptides Derived from Bitter Melon Seed Hydrolysate

Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has become a critical global health issue, with an increasing prevalence that contributes to significant morbidity and mortality. Inhibiting dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP4) is a promising strategy for managing T2D. This study aimed to explore the DPP4 inhibitory peptide derived from bitter melon seed protein (BMSP) hydrolysate. Methods: Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was utilized to fractionate the hydrolysate. Peptide in the highest activity fraction was analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Peptide synthetic was used for further characterizations, such as bioactivity exploration, inhibition mechanism, molecular docking, and peptide stability against in vitro simulated gastrointestinal (SGI) digestion. Results: The BMSP hydrolysate was digested with gastrointestinal proteases (GP) and assessed for DPP4 inhibitory activity, yielding an IC50 of 1448 ± 105 μg/mL. Following RP-HPLC fractionation, MPHW (MW4) and VPSGAPF (VF7) were identified from fraction F8 with DPP4 IC50 values of 128.0 ± 1.3 µM and 150.6 ± 3.4 µM, respectively. Additionally, MW4 exhibited potential antihypertensive effects through ACE inhibition with an IC50 of 172.2 ± 10.6 µM. The inhibitory kinetics and molecular docking simulations indicated that both MW4 and VF7 were competitive inhibitors of DPP4, while MW4 was also a competitive inhibitor of ACE. Importantly, both peptides remained stable during simulated gastrointestinal digestion, suggesting their resistance to human digestive processes and their capacity to maintain biological activity. Conclusions: The findings suggest that BMSP-GP hydrolysate may have potential in terms of the development of health foods or therapeutic agents. However, in vivo studies are also essential for further confirmation of efficacy.

The Effects of Bitter Melon (Mormordica charantia) on Lipid Profile: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Research indicates that bitter melon could be useful in the management of dyslipidemia. Still, there is disagreement concerning the findings. This systematic study was undertaken to clarify the impact of consuming bitter melon on lipid profile. The databases Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Scopus were queried from inception until February 9, 2023. The study assessed triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. The effect sizes were calculated using weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 423 participants were included. Bitter melon consumption resulted in a significant decrease in plasma concentrations of TC (WMD; -9.71 mg/dL; CI: -17.69 to -1.74, p = 0.01) and TG (WMD; -10.24 mg/dL; CI: -19.92 to -0.56, p = 0.03), while bitter melon did not significantly lower blood LDL-C (WMD; -8.66 mg/dL; CI: -19.83 to 2.50, p = 0.12) and HDL-C concentrations (WMD; 0.54 mg/dL; CI: -2.38 to 3.45, p = 0.71). Subgroup analysis showed a significant decrease in TC and LDL-C and an increase in HDL-C at a dose of ≤ 2000 mg/day and an intervention period of ≤ 8 weeks. Also, the greatest impact of LDL-C and HDL-C was seen in diabetic and prediabetic people. Bitter melon supplementation positively impacts TC and TG levels. The limitations of this study were short-term trials (less than 3 months).

Formulation and evaluation of herbal gel containing ethanolic extract of Momordica charantia against socransky’s periodontal pathogens of the oral cavity-an in vitro study

Background: Periodontitis is a multifaceted disease initiated by periodontal pathogens which when left untreated results in inflammation of the supporting tissues of the teeth, resorption of alveolar bone, loss of the periodontal ligament attachment, periodontal pocket formation and/or recession of the gingiva. Hence, the current study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of Momordica charantia leaves extract on Socransky’s periodontal pathogens and formulating a herbal gel for subgingival local drug delivery for the potential treatment of moderate periodontitis. Methods: M. charantia leaves were authenticated from a recognized taxonomist. They were coarsely powdered following which an ethanol-based extract preparation was done. The extract obtained was then assessed for minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration followed by gel formulation which was then subjected to time kill assay and zone of inhibition on periodontal pathogens, the efficacy of which was comparatively evaluated against 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) gluconate. Kruskal-Wallis Test was employed with the statistical significance set at p≤0.05. Results: The concentration of M. charantia ethanolic extract against periodontal pathogens was determined to be 1 gm/100 ml and a statistically significant difference was found in the effectiveness between the gel so formulated and CHX. Conclusion: The antibacterial activity was evident in the ethanolic extract of M. charantia which when used to formulate a herbal gel against anaerobic periodontal pathogens demonstrated efficacy comparable to that of CHX.

Economic Analysis of kharif Vegetable Cultivation in Palghar District of Maharashtra State, India

The study was undertaken with the specific objective to workout costs, returns and profitability in vegetables production of a sample of 90 vegetable cultivators of three tahsil of Palghar viz. Vasai, Palghar and Dahanu during 2023.Simple statistical tools such as arithmetic mean, average, percentage, ratios and frequency distribution were worked out. For working out cost of production, standard cost concepts viz., cost-A1, cost-A2 cost-B1, cost-B2, cost-C1, cost-C2, cost-C3 were used. The cost of cultivation of kharif brinjal, okra, cowpea, tomato, cucumber, bottle gourd and bitter gourd was Rs.130880, Rs.172317, Rs.74835, Rs.145956, Rs.166815, Rs.220387and Rs.209361for respectively. The gross returns obtained from kharif brinjal, okra, cowpea, tomato, cucumber, bottle gourd and bitter gourd was Rs.141240, Rs.271560, Rs.77532, Rs.280280, Rs.227850, Rs.337506 and Rs.345345 respectively. The benefit-cost ratio for kharif brinjal, okra, cowpea, tomato, cucumber, bottle gourd and bitter gourd was 1.08, 1.58, 1.04, 1.92, 1.37, 1.53 and 1.65 respectively. The promising benefit-cost ratios indicate a favorable environment for vegetable farming in Palghar, suggesting that with strategic crop selection and enhanced agricultural practices, the future of vegetable cultivation in the region is likely to be both profitable and sustainable.

Influences of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum dy-1 Fermentation on the Bitterness of Bitter Melon Juice, the Composition of Saponin Compounds, and Their Bioactivities.

Lactic acid bacteria fermentation is a beneficial bioprocessing method that can improve the flavor, transform nutrients, and maintain the biological activity of foods. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum dy-1 fermentation on the nutritional components, flavor and taste properties, and composition of saponin compounds and their hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities. The results suggested that the total polyphenol content increased, and the soluble polysaccharides and total saponin contents decreased in fermented bitter melon juice (FJ) compared with those in non-fermented bitter melon juice (NFJ). The determination of volatile flavor substances by GC-MS revealed that the response values of acetic acid, n-octanol, sedumol, etc., augmented significantly, and taste analysis with an electronic tongue demonstrated lower bitterness and higher acidity in FJ. Furthermore, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS testing showed a significant decrease in bitter compounds, including momordicines I and II, and a significant increase in the active saponin momordicine U in the fermented bitter melon saponin group (FJBMS). The in vitro assays indicated that FJBMS exhibited similar antioxidant activities as the non-fermented bitter melon saponin group (NFBMS). The in vitro results show that both NFBMS and FJBMS, when used at 50 μg/mL, could significantly reduce fat accumulation and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and increased the catalase (CAT) activity, while there was no significant difference in the bioactivities of NFBMS and FJBMS. In conclusion, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum dy-1 fermentation is an effective means to lower the bitterness value of bitter melon and preserve the well-known bioactivities of its raw materials, which can improve the edibility of bitter melon.

Genome-Wide Identification of the Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Ion Channel Gene Family and Expression Profiles Under Low-Temperature Stress in Luffa cylindrica L.

Cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels (CNGCs) are cell membrane channel proteins for calcium ions. They have been reported to play important roles in survival and in the responses to environmental factors in various plants. However, little is known about the CNGC family and its functions in luffa (Luffa cylindrica L.). In this study, a bioinformatics-based method was used to identify members of the CNGC gene family in L. cylindrica. In total, 20 LcCNGCs were detected, and they were grouped into five subfamilies (I, II, Ⅲ, IV-a, and IV-b) in a phylogenetic analysis with CNGCs from Arabidopsis thaliana (20 AtCNGCs) and Momordica charantia (17 McCNGCs). The 20 LcCNGC genes were unevenly distributed on 11 of the 13 chromosomes in luffa, with none on Chromosomes 1 and 5. The members of each subfamily encoded proteins with highly conserved functional domains. An evolutionary analysis of CNGCs in luffa revealed three gene losses and a motif deletion. An examination of gene replication events during evolution indicated that two tandemly duplicated gene pairs were the primary driving force behind the evolution of the LcCNGC gene family. PlantCARE analyses of the LcCNGC promoter regions revealed various cis-regulatory elements, including those responsive to plant hormones (abscisic acid, methyl jasmonate, and salicylic acid) and abiotic stresses (light, drought, and low temperature). The presence of these cis-acting elements suggested that the encoded CNGC proteins may be involved in stress responses, as well as growth and development. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) analyses revealed tissue-specific expression patterns of LcCNGCs in various plant parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruit) and the upregulation of some LcCNGCs under low-temperature stress. To confirm the accuracy of the RNA-seq data, 10 cold-responsive LcCNGC genes were selected for verification by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis. Under cold conditions, LcCNGC4 was highly upregulated (>50-fold increase in its transcript levels), and LcCNGC3, LcCNGC6, and LcCNGC13 were upregulated approximately 10-fold. Our findings provide new information about the evolution of the CNGC family in L. cylindrica and provide insights into the functions of the encoded CNGC proteins.

Comprehensive genomic analysis of Brevibacillus brevis BF19 reveals its biocontrol potential against bitter gourd wilt

Bitter gourd wilt, a severe vascular disease triggered by the soilborne pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. momordicae (FOM), markedly constrains bitter gourd yield. In this study, a novel strain BF19 of Brevibacillus brevis was isolated and identified, exhibiting strong antimicrobial activity against FOM through in vivo and in vitro experiments. To comprehensively assess the biocontrol potential of strain BF19, we conducted phenotypic, phylogenetic, and comparative genomics analyses. Phenotypic analysis revealed that BF19 exhibited 53.33% biocontrol efficacy and significantly increased the average plant height, root fresh weight, and dry weight. Whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomic analysis revealed numerous potential genes associated with biocontrol mechanisms in BF19. Importantly, the integration of metabolic cluster prediction with liquid chromatography‒tandem mass spectrometry (LC‒MS/MS) revealed the presence of a macrobrevin antibiotic, a product of polyketide synthases (PKSs), predominantly in BF19 fermentation products. The effectiveness of the Br. brevis strain BF19 and its crude extract against bitter gourd wilt has also been confirmed. This study provides a genetic framework for future investigations on PKSs and establishes a scientific basis for optimizing field applications of microbial biopesticides derived from Br. brevis BF19.

The effect of bitter melon (M.charantia) consumption on fasting blood sugar in patients with type II diabetes mellitus: A systematic review

The effect of bitter melon (M.charantia) consumption on fasting blood sugar in patients with type II diabetes mellitus: A systematic review

Effect of beeswax and lemon grass oil on Alternaria alternata and post-harvest quality of bitter gourd during storage

ABSTRACT Alternative strategies are being utilised to extend the storage ability and preserve the quality of crops including bitter gourd. The present study was conducted to assess the potential of beeswax (BW) and lemongrass oil (LO) on the shelf life and Alternaria alternata disease of bitter gourd during cold storage. The experiment included the following treatments: (1) distilled water (control), (2) BW 5%, (3) BW 10%, (4) BW 5% + LO 0.5%, and (5) BW 10% + LO 0.5%. The bitter gourds were stored at 25°C for 15 days. The results revealed that BW 10% + LO 0.5% proved to be the best treatment followed by BW 5% + LO 0.5% and BW 10%. The BW 10% + LO 0.5% treatment exhibited inhibitory effects on mycelium growth, spore germination, disease incidence, and disease severity. It also reduced weight loss and ion leakage and conserved higher contents of titratable acidity, firmness, ascorbic acid, and total phenolic content of bitter gourd. Overall, these results revealed that beeswax and lemon grass oil can be effectively utilised to inhibit Alternaria alternate disease and prolong the storage ability of bitter gourd fruit in a cost-effective and eco-friendly way.