Momordica Charantia Research Articles

Effects and mechanisms of anti-diabetic dietary natural products: an updated review.

Diabetes is a global public health issue, characterized by an abnormal level of blood glucose. It can be classified into type 1, type 2, gestational, and other rare diabetes. Recent studies have reported that many dietary natural products exhibit anti-diabetic activity. In this narrative review, the effects and underlying mechanisms of dietary natural products on diabetes are summarized based on the results from epidemiological, experimental, and clinical studies. Some fruits (e.g., grape, blueberry, and cherry), vegetables (e.g., bitter melon and Lycium barbarum leaves), grains (e.g., oat, rye, and brown rice), legumes (e.g., soybean and black bean), spices (e.g., cinnamon and turmeric) and medicinal herbs (e.g., Aloe vera leaf and Nigella sativa), and vitamin C and carotenoids could play important roles in the prevention and management of diabetes. Their underlying mechanisms include exerting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-glycation effects, inhibiting carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes, enhancing insulin action, alleviating insulin resistance, modulating the gut microbiota, and so on. This review can provide people with a comprehensive knowledge of anti-diabetic dietary natural products, and support their further development into functional food to prevent and manage diabetes.

Some essential oils as potential control agents for varroa mite (Varroa destructor) in infected honey bees (Apis mellifera).

Ecto-parasite, varroa mite, (Varroa destructor), is the primary pest affecting the apiculture sector globally in various regions. This study examined the toxicity of nine essential oils to Apis mellifera L. and the acaricidal impact of those oils against V. destructor. The acaricidal effects of nine essential oils, extracted from plant materials were used. In the screening experiment, 10 mg of the active ingredients of the plant material extracts were prepared in an alcohol solution with concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15%. For each type of plant extract, five female V. destructor were transferred to a Petri dish with five worker bees incubated at 70% humidity and 33°-34° for 2 days, for each treatment four replicates were used compared to the control. Forty-eight hours following treatment, the number of dead and live mites was counted to determine the mortality rate. In the second assay experiment, the best five essential oils of the previous experiment were selected to re-assess their effectiveness on varroa mites and honeybee workers by using a concentration of 15%. Five females of V. destructor were transferred to a Petri dish with 10 adult bees and treated with the solution of the selected oils. Five replicates and control treatments were taken for each sample simultaneously. Dead and live bees were counted for each replicate at 48 hours after treatment. There were no significant differences between the concentrations used of each oil on the rate of death of mites, and its effectiveness ranged between 70.0% and 53.3% compared to the control groups. In addition, the best oil used was bitter melon, with a death rate of 80% at a concentration of 15%, while peppermint oil showed the lowest death rate of 45% at a concentration of (5%). However, all these treatments were statistically highly significant compared with the natural death rate in control (2%). In the second test, the results of the statistical analysis indicated that there were highly significant differences (P0.05 <0.0001) in the average numbers of dead varroa mites compared to the control when using a 15% concentration of five selected oils. On the other hand, there was no statistically significant difference in the honey bee workers' mortality rate between the treatment and control groups (P0.05 <0.3390), and it was relatively low for all treatments except the basil oil, where the bee mortality rate was 16% compared to the control (10%). It is clear from this experiment that bitter melon oil can be used to control varroa mites and it can be considered safe for honey bees as well as for the environment.

Лигнаны и другие компоненты фитоэкстрактов для лечения фиброзно-кистозной мастопатии

Objective. Comparative analysis of data on various plant extracts and their components, characterized by antitumor and antiinflammatory effects. Materials and methods. Systematic data analysis using topological recognition theory methods, clinical study of patients with fibrocystic mastopathy (FCM). Results. The analysis showed that the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antitumor properties of extracts of oleander, hauttuynia cordata, mistletoe, bitter melon, ginkgo biloba, grape seeds, cohosh, chasteberry and common spruce may be useful in the treatment of mastopathy and the prevention of breast cancer. A new class of candidate molecules with special antitumor properties, resinol lignans, has been isolated from Norway spruce extracts. In particular, 7-hydroxymatairesinol can be used for FCM, accompanied by various manifestations of menopausal syndrome, incl. mastalgia. The presented results of the original clinical study showed that during therapy with FCM 7-hydroxymatairesinol, there was a decrease or complete disappearance of menopausal syndrome, pain in the mammary glands and other symptoms. Positive dynamics of estrogen metabolites, their ratios and blood lipid profile indicators were noted, indicating normalization of estrogen metabolism. According to ultrasound data, after therapy with 7-hydroxymatairesinol, a decrease in the number and size of cystic formations in FCM was noted. Conclusion. Despite the fact that lignans from spruce extracts are the least studied, this group of compounds is promising for use in FCM to normalize estrogen metabolism and reduce fibrocystic changes in the mammary glands. Key words: phytoextracts, fibrocystic mastopathy, mastalgia, menopausal syndrome, 7-hydroxymatairesinol

Antidiabetic and hepato-renal protective effects of medicinal plants in STZ induced diabetic rats.

The antidiabetic and hepato-renal protective effects of Citrullus colocynthis and Momordica charantia ethanol extracts were investigated in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic male albino rats. Diabetic rats were treated with C. colocynthis, M. charantia or C. colocynthis + M. charantia mixed extract at a dose of 250 mg /kg body weight per oral per day for 21 days. The mean body weight of all the diabetic rat groups on day 1 of treatment (day 10 of diabetes) was significantly lower than the normal control rat group (P<0.05). The blood glucose level of all the diabetic rat groups on day 1 of treatment (day 10 of diabetes) was significantly (P<0.05) higher (> 200 mg/dl) than the normal control rat group (95.5 ± 2.7). At the end of treatment (day 21), the diabetic rats treated with plant extracts showed significant increase (P<0.05) in body weight and significant (P<0.05) reduction in blood glucose level when compared to diabetic control animals. Significant increase (< 0.05) was observed in the serum bilirubin, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea and creatinine levels of diabetic control rat group. The serum levels of these liver and kidney-related parameters of diabetic rats treated with plant extract were significantly lower when compared to diabetic control rat group (p < 0.05). Photomicrographs of liver and kidney microsections from diabetic rats treated with these plant extracts showed amelioration in the hepato-renal histoarchitectures. It was concluded that the C. colocynthis and M. charantia methanol extracts are antidiabetic and hepato-renal protective in STZ induced diabetic male rats. Treatment of the diabetic rats with C. colocynthis + M. charantia mixed extract is more effective in the amelioration of diabetes and hepato-renal injuries in STZ induced diabetic male rats.

Bioassay-guided isolation of leishmanicidal cucurbitacins from Momordica charantia.

Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical parasitic disease, is regarded as a major public health problem worldwide. The first-line drugs for leishmaniasis suffer from limitations related to toxicity and the development of resistance in certain parasitic strains. Therefore, the discovery of alternative treatments for leishmaniasis is imperative, and natural products represent a valuable source of potential therapeutic agents. The present study aimed at finding new potential antileishmanial agents from the aerial parts of the medicinal plant Momordica charantia. This study was based on bioassay-guided fractionation of the M. charantia extract against promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. The cytotoxicity of the extract, fractions, and isolated compounds were evaluated against peritoneal murine macrophages by employing the MTT assay for assessing cell metabolic activity. Antileishmanial assay-guided fractionation of the M. charantia extract led to the bioactive cucurbitacin-enriched fraction and the isolation of four bioactive cucurbitacin-type triterpenoids, which exhibited significant antileishmanial activity, with IC50 values between 2.11 and 3.25μg.mL-1 against promastigote and amastigote forms, low toxicity and selectivity indexes ranging from 8.5 to 17.2. Our findings demonstrate that the fractions and cucurbitacin-type triterpenoids obtained from the aerial parts of M. charantia are promising natural leishmanicidal candidates.

Optimization of the extraction of phenolic compounds by decoction on the leaves and stems of Momordica charantia

Optimization of the extraction of phenolic compounds by decoction on the leaves and stems of Momordica charantia

Phytochemical study and antioxidant activity of dry leaves of Trilepisium madagascariense DC. and the whole dried plant of Momordica charantia L.

Phytochemical study and antioxidant activity of dry leaves of Trilepisium madagascariense DC. and the whole dried plant of Momordica charantia L.

Efficacy of biological and chemical treatments for controlling damping off (Pythium spp.) of bitter gourd

Efficacy of biological and chemical treatments for controlling damping off (Pythium spp.) of bitter gourd

Remote-Controlled Drone-Based Spray Pollination System for Greenhouse Bitter Gourd Cultivation

Background: Agriculture is globally essential yet faces numerous challenges due to the rapid growth of human population and declining pollinator populations, highlighting the need for innovative solutions. Aim: This aimed to design and to develop a remotecontrolled drone-based spray pollination system for greenhouse bitter gourd cultivation. Design: The drone was developed through Research and Development (R&amp;D) design, including prototype designing, functionality testing, and adaptability and acceptability evaluation.

TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY IN BITTER MELON PLANTS USING DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS (DEA) MODEL IN TANAH LAUT DISTRICT

Farm technical efficiency involves maximizing output while minimizing input costs. In Tanah Laut Regency, bitter melon production fluctuates annually due to climatic factors and inefficient input use. On average, farmers use 0.47 hectares of land, 166 grams/ha of seeds, 2,659 kg/ha of organic fertilizer, 208 kg/ha of inorganic fertilizer, 7.08 liters/ha of liquid pesticides, 7.24 kg/ha of solid pesticides, and 339 HKSP of labor. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) indicates that farmers are technically inefficient, with average technical efficiencies of 80.8% (CRS-DEA), 89.9% (VRS-DEA), and 89.8% (SE-DEA). Among the farmers, 32% operate under increasing returns to scale (IRS), 26% under constant returns to scale (CRS), and 42% under decreasing returns to scale (DRS). A logit regression model reveals that education level, farming experience, and number of family members significantly impact technical efficiency, while age, land ownership status, and off-farm income do not. To enhance efficiency, farmers should reduce input use by emulating the practices of their more efficient peers.

Preparation and effectiveness evaluation of placebo of Jiawei Ermiao Granules

This study explored the preparation process of the placebo of Jiawei Ermiao Granules and evaluated the placebo effect, aiming to provide qualified placebo samples for clinical trials of Jiawei Ermiao Granules and a reference for the preparation and quality evaluation of placebos of traditional Chinese medicine granules. On the basis of the comprehensive analysis results of Jiawei Ermiao Granules, the orthogonal experiment was conducted to optimize the flavoring agents and colorants. After manual evaluation, the placebo formula was determined as dextrin 10 g, Codonopsis Radix extract 5.0 g, bitter melon extract 1.6 g, Mume Fructus extract 0.3 g, stevioside 0.1 g, sucrose octaacetate 0.004 g, indigo 0.004 g, lemon yellow 0.003 1 g, sunset yellow 0.001 8 g, bitter tea powder 0.001 8 g, caramel 0.001 3 g. Pilot trials were conducted on the placebo formula. The simulation effect of placebo was evaluated independently and comparatively, and the objectively evaluated by electronic nose and electronic tongue. The results showed that the independent manual evaluation of the placebo formula had higher error rate, and the placebo and Jiawei Ermiao Granules showed the similarity of 99.61% in the comparative manual evaluation. The smell similarity between the placebo and Jiawei Ermiao Granules was 99.19%, and the electronic tongue test showed little difference in the taste. In conclusion, the placebo prepared in this study shows a high similarity to Jiawei Ermiao Granules, which is not easy to break the blindness when being applied to clinical trials. This study provides a reference for the preparation and quality evaluation and promotes the large-scale production of placebos of traditional Chinese medicine granules, playing a role in improving the persuasiveness and acceptance of the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicines.

Enhancing Growth, Yield, and Antioxidant Activity of Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.) through Amino Acid Foliar Spray Application

Bitter gourd has picked up noteworthy consideration for its pharmacological benefits. However, the impact of amino acids (AAs) dosage on growth, yield, and antioxidants is uncertain. In this study, we investigated the effects of foliar spraying bitter gourd with 100, 200, and 300 mg/L dosages of tryptophan (Trp), glutamine (Gln), and phenylalanine (Phe). The results revealed that Trp, at a dosage of 300 mg/L, produced the most substantial increase in plant length, followed by 300 mg/L Phe. Additionally, the highest values of the fresh dry weight of the plants, fresh weight of the first fruit, fruit number per plant, fresh weight of the fruits per plant, and total fruit output per hectare were seen at 300 mg/L of Trp, followed by 300 mg/L of Gln. Phe at 300 mg/L yielded the highest levels of total phenolics and total flavonoids, coupled with strong scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. These outcomes show the potential of Trp and Gln foliar sprays to enhance bitter gourd growth, yield, and certain antioxidant compounds. These findings carry substantial implications for the enhancement of bitter gourd cultivation and quality. By revealing AA’s potential for improving bitter gourd, our research contributes to bolstering the agricultural sustainability of this remarkable crop.

Spermatogenic Inhibition Properties of a Phenolic Phytoestrogen Isolated from Momordica charantia (Bitter Guard) Seeds

Mechanisms and potencies of phytoestrogens are not completely clarified and they may be considered potential endocrine disruptors, and therefore caution should be exercised while taking them. Eating very high levels of some phytoestrogens may pose some health risks. Reproductive problems have been documented in laboratory animals, farm animals and wildlife that ate very high (up to 100% of their diet) amounts of phytoestrogen-rich plants. Sheep consuming large amounts of clover showed infertility and reproductive disorders. Cheetahs in captivity also had reduced fertility rates when consuming a feline diet composed of a soybean product, which was reversed when it was removed from the diet. Toxicities associated with herbal medicines that include phytoestrogens have also been reported in the literature.&#x0D; Phenolphthalein a phenolic phytoestrogen has been isolated from the crude ethanol extract of Momordica charantia Linn. seeds. After preparative HPLC whitish amorphous compound was obtained. Its structural elucidation using IR, NMR and Mass spectral data revealed that the molecule isolated from the ethanol extract of M. charantia seeds was surprisingly, phenolphthalein. In order to clarify testicular influence of ethanol extract, fractions and isolated phenolphthalein were treated for sixty days to adult male albino rats. All the treated groups showed statistically significant reduction in testis weight. On histological examinations of testis showed spermatogenic inhibition effect, as the number of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa were significantly decreased.

First Report of Pectobacterium brasiliense Causing Bitter Melon Soft Rot Disease in Korea

In the Goesan region, located in Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea, a significant outbreak of soft rot infections was documented in August 2021, affecting fruits of &lt;i&gt;Momordica charantia&lt;/i&gt;, commonly known as bitter melon or bitter gourd. The symptoms included a noticeable transition to yellowing in the affected fruits, eventually leading to their collapse. The bacterial strain KNUB-09-21 was isolated from the diseased fruits. Molecular analysis, using the sequences of the 16S rRNA region and three housekeeping genes (&lt;i&gt;dnaX, recA&lt;/i&gt;, and &lt;i&gt;leuS&lt;/i&gt;), along with the results of compound utilization in the API ID 32 GN system, provide strong evidence for the identification of the isolate KNUB-09-21 as &lt;i&gt;Pectobacterium brasiliense&lt;/i&gt;. The pathogenicity of strain KNUB-09-21 on &lt;i&gt;M. charantia&lt;/i&gt; was confirmed through a controlled inoculation test. Within two days, inoculated fruits displayed soft rot symptoms closely resembling those observed in naturally affected fruits. This is the first report of soft rot on &lt;i&gt;M. charantia&lt;/i&gt; in Korea.

Impact of Wastewater from Outfall of River on Bitter Gourd: Morphological and Biochemical Studies, Peptide Synthesis and Antioxidant Activity

River pollution poses a significant concern for the people of India who heavily rely on river water for daily needs. This study focuses on assessing the status of river pollution in West Bengal, India, with a particular emphasis on a major canal (N22° 39'08.75'' E88° 21'27.60'') near Dakhineswar New Jetty, known for its Kali Temple and frequent ritual activities. The region's dependence on river water is evident in daily life. Analysis of three consecutive years (2016-2018) reveals alarming levels of Total Coliform, reaching up to 8.18 x 106 MPN/100ml during the premonsoon season. Disturbingly high concentrations of Lead (0.069 mg/L) and Mercury (0.008 mg/L) are recorded. Average Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) are 2.3 mg/L and 7.9 mg/L, respectively, during the premonsoon. The impact of wastewater on Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.) manifests in detrimental changes to both morphological and biochemical parameters, including total chlorophyll and protein content. Low molecular weight peptide(s) (3.0-0.5 kDa) are extracted, purified, and analyzed through ion exchange resin column, ultra-filtration, and HPLC. HPLC analysis distinguishes the presence of peptides compared to the control, revealing adverse effects of wastewater. The antioxidant activity of low molecular weight peptide(s) is demonstrated through DPPH scavenging. Bioassays, such as the germination percentage of wastewater-treated Bitter Gourd seeds, indicate inhibition. The intensified impact of wastewater during the premonsoon season underscores the urgency of addressing river pollution in this region.

Emerging Potential of Momordica’s Bioactive Phytochemicals in Cancer Prevention and Therapy

Worldwide, cancer incidence and mortality are rising quickly. Cancer remains the biggest cause of death despite advances in therapy. Plants produce bioactive phytochemicals, and as a result, the bioactive elements have long been the focus of cancer research, both for medication discovery and for the discovery of alternative chemo-preventive methods. The medicinal plant Momordica charantia or bitter melon contains a wide variety of phytochemicals, such as triterpenoids, triterpene glycosides, phenolic acids, flavonoids, lectins, sterols, and proteins. In many pre-clinical systems, the Momordica charantia extract exhibits an anti-cancer action against various malignancies. The bioactive components of the extract play a significant role in its anti-cancer properties. With an emphasis on underlying molecular pathways, we address the roles of Momordica's known bioactive components in several cancer models in this review. Through the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and induction of cell death, several of active ingredients exhibit cancer prevention and therapeutic effects, at least in in-vitro models. Mechanistically examining the active components in pre-clinical systems may reveal a novel approach to cancer treatment.

Anticoagulant Evaluation of Momordica charantia Fruit Flesh Extract on Prothrombin Time and Activated Partial Prothrombin Time Test

Thrombotic diseases such as strokes, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism are serious consequences of the thrombus formed in blood vessels. The coagulation cascade is a complicated system that involves clotting factor of extrinsic, intrinsic, and common pathways. Imbalance between the process can cause excessive clotting that led to thrombosis. Although several anticoagulants drugs have been developed over the decades, most are accompanied by undesirable side effects such as mild or severe bleeding. Therefore, this study has made use of the natural resources in the search for complementary and alternative therapies. The methanolic extract of Momordica charantia (MC) (bitter gourd) fruit flesh is utilized to identify their effects through in vitro anticoagulant and thrombolytic activity. The anticoagulant activity is tested using prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial prothrombin time (APTT) test with 10, 20 and 30 mg/ml of MC extraction, while the thrombolytic activity is carried out by using clot lysis assay. Momordica charantia fruit flesh methanolic extract was proven to have significant anticoagulant properties at concentration 20 and 30 mg/ml compared to normal and negative control. The extract however was not significant at 10 mg/ml but still demonstrated some anticoagulation effect. It also revealed a substantial thrombolytic activity at 100 mg/ml, when compared to negative and positive control indicating ability to lyse blood clot. It was discovered by our analysis that Momordica charantia fruit flesh possesses significant anticoagulant and thrombolytic activity which can be further exploited in the treatment of blood coagulation disorder.

VEGETABLE PRODUCTION ON THE DYKES OF BRACKISH WATER GHERS: STATUS AND CHALLENGES

The embankments (Dykes) of the shrimp farms (Ghers) have been taken under vegetable production which deserves to be expedited for further implications. The aims of the study were to identify the status and problems of vegetable production on dykes in brackish water Ghers along with its impact on food security. Data were collected from purposively selected 67 respondents following accidental random sampling of the Dacope upazila of Khulna district in Bangladesh from July to November, 2017. The average area of the dykes was 8.89±4.69 decimals, and the average width was 1.73±0.34 m. The dykes were prepared either by spading or by preparing pits. The farmers grew vegetables in Kharif-2 season (July 01 to October 15). The farmers usually grew 16 types of vegetables as mixed crops, among which bitter gourd was dominant followed by cucumber and pumpkin, following two cropping patterns: vegetable-fallow-fallow and vegetable-vegetable-fallow. The cropping intensity was 162%. The majority of the respondents harvested vegetables four times. In terms of yield, the tomato (60 t ha-1) was dominant, followed by brinjal (57.09 t ha-1) and cabbage (55.41 t ha-1). The dykes are occupying an area of 4,149.75 ha which would be able to produce 1, 04,438.83 tons of vegetables. Twenty-nine associated problems were identified, among those “rats attack” was the most severe problem. The confronted problems should be overcome through appropriate measures, and a typical model should be developed through research for dyke vegetable production to make it more resilient and profitable.

Impact of Seed Priming and Growing Media on Germination and Seedling Growth of Bitter Gourd

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the suitable growing media and priming treatments for seed germination and seedling growth of bitter gourd (cv. BARI hybrid Korola 2).&#x0D; Study Design: The experiment was set up in a completely randomized design (CRD) with sixteen treatments, each containing fifteen seedlings.&#x0D; Place and Duration of the Study: The experiment was conducted on Horticulture farm at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University; Dhaka, Bangladesh from March to April 2021.&#x0D; Methodology: Four seed priming treatments were used in the experiments: T0: Seed soak in distilled water for 12 h (control), T1:Hot water treatment (450C for 5 min), T2: Poly ethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 (5%), T3: Sodium chloride solution (NaCl) (2%) soak for 12h and four growing media viz.,M0: soil + cow dung (1:1), M1: soil + cow dung + vermicompost (1:1:1), M2: soil + cow dung + sawdust (1:1:1), M3: soil + cow dung + cocopeat (1:1:1).&#x0D; Results: The maximum germination percentage (100%), highest shoot (21.00 cm) and root length (12.83 cm), seed vigor index (3383.3) was recorded in T2M3 treatment. However, the maximum photosynthetic pigment (30.31 mg/g), relative water content (96.99%) and shoot (3.53g) and root fresh weight (0.47 g) was found in T2M1 treatment.&#x0D; Conclusion: It can be concluded that soil + cow dung + cocopeat (1:1:1) with PEG 6000 (5%) is the best treatment for bitter gourd seed germination, while soil + cow dung + vermicompost (1:1:1) with PEG 6000 (5%) is better for vigor and healthy seedlings.

Status of soluble sugars and the related enzymes of Momordica charantia L. seedlings in response to low temperature stress

Status of soluble sugars and the related enzymes of Momordica charantia L. seedlings in response to low temperature stress