Momordica Balsamina Research Articles

Identification of a Novel Anti-HIV-1 Protein from Momordica balsamina Leaf Extract.

Our lab investigates the anti-HIV-1 activity in Momordica balsamina (M. balsamina) leaf extract. Traditional Senegalese healers have used M. balsamina leaf extract as a part of a plant-based treatment for HIV/AIDS infections. Our overall goal is to define and validate the scientific basis for using M. balsamina leaf extract as a part of the traditional Senegalese treatment. As an initial characterization of this extract, we used activity-guided fractionation to determine the active ingredient's solubility and relative size. We found that M. balsamina leaf extract inhibits HIV-1 infection by >50% at concentrations of 0.02 mg/mL and above and is not toxic over its inhibitory range (0-0.5 mg/mL). We observed significantly more antiviral activity in direct water and acetonitrile extractions (p ≤ 0.05). We also observed significantly more antiviral activity in the aqueous phases of ethyl acetate, chloroform, and diethyl ether extractions (p ≤ 0.05). Though most of the antiviral activity partitioned into the aqueous layers, some antiviral activity was present in the organic layers. We show that the active agent in the plant extracts is at least 30 kD in size. Significantly more antiviral activity was retained in 3, 10, and 30 kD molecular weight cutoff filters (p ≤ 0.05). In contrast, most of the antiviral activity passed through the 100 kD filter (p ≤ 0.05). Because the active anti-HIV-1 agent presented as a large, amphiphilic molecule we ran the purified extract on an SDS-page gel. We show that the anti-HIV-1 activity in the leaf extracts is attributed to a 30 kDa protein we call MoMo30. This article describes how MoMo30 was determined to be responsible for its anti-HIV-1 activity.

Momordica balsamina L.: An unexploited vegetable crop rich in medicinal and nutritional properties

African pumpkin (Momordica balsamina L.) is a tendrilled, wild-type vine plant with a wide range of therapeutic and nutritional properties that has been used as a conventional medicament in many countries. Alkaloids, resins, glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycoside, steroids and terpenes are found in the plant's fruits, seeds, leaves and bark, and they have varied medicinal properties viz., anti-bacterial, anti-diarrheal, anti-plasmodial, anti-septic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, analgesic, and hepatoprotective activities. 'Momordin,' a therapeutic agent, can stop HIV and other viruses from multiplying. The leaves are also a good source of nutrients because they contain 17 amino acids and minerals like potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, zinc, manganese, and iron. It also aids in the fight against soil micronutrient deficiencies and high protein and fat content with low fibre content. High potassium content is an excellent source for controlling hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders. This plant may be a protein supplement for poor rural people's cereal-based diets. The medicinal and nutritional value of this wild herb for health care management is discussed in this review.

Antibacterial Activities of Monsonia Angustifolia and Momordica Balsamina Linn Extracts against Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii.

Carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is resistant to most of the available antibiotics and poses serious therapeutic challenges. The study investigated Monsonia angustifolia (M. angustifolia) and Momordica balsamina Linn (M. balsamina Linn) extracts for antibacterial activity against a clinical isolate of carbapenemase-producing A. baumannii using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion and TLC coupled with bioautography. MIC determination experiments were conducted on a molecularly characterized A. baumannii isolate identified using VITEK2. Positive PCR detection of blaOXA-51 and blaOXA-23 confirmed isolate identity and the presence of a carbapenemase-encoding gene. Antibacterial activity was observed with the methanolic extract of M. balsamina Linn with a MIC of 0.5 mg/mL. Compounds with Rf values of 0.05; 0.17; 0.39 obtained from M. angustifolia hexane extract; compounds with Rf values of 0.58; 0.78; 0.36; 0.48; 0.5; 0.56; 0.67; 0.9 obtained from M. angustifolia dichloromethane extract; compounds with Rf values of 0.11; 0.56; 0.24; 0.37 obtained from M. angustifolia acetone extract and compounds with Rf values of 0.11; 0.27 obtained from M. angustifolia methanol extract demonstrated a level of antibacterial activity. M. angustifolia and M. balsamina Linn plant extracts have a clinically significant antibacterial activity against a carbapenemase-producing A. baumannii strain.

Triterpenes from Momordica balsamina (African pumpkin): ABCB1 inhibition and synergistic interaction with doxorubicin in resistant cancer cells

Aiming at overcoming multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer, we have been studying Momordica balsamina, a vegetable known as African pumpkin. Five undescribed cucurbitane-type triterpenoids (balsaminaepoxide, balsaminatriol, balsaminoic acid, balsaminal, and balsaminol G) along with five known cucurbitacins were isolated from the methanol extract of Momordica balsamina aerial parts, whose structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data, mainly 1D and 2D NMR experiments. Compounds were evaluated for their ability as P-glycoprotein (P-gp/ABCB1) inhibitors in multidrug resistant human ABCB1-transfected mouse lymphoma cells (L5178Y, MDR) and resistant human colon adenocarcinoma cells (COLO 320), using the rhodamine-123 exclusion test, by flow cytometry. Several compounds, which were found to be non-cytotoxic, strongly inhibited P-gp efflux activity in a dose-dependent manner in both cell models. In MRD mouse lymphoma cells, balsaminol G and karavilagenin B were the most active, while in resistant colon adenocarcinoma cells, the strongest inhibitory activity was found for balsaminaepoxide, balsaminatriol and karavilagenin C, being several-fold more active than the positive control verapamil. In chemosensitivity assays, in a model of combination chemotherapy, selected compounds showed to interact synergistically with doxorubicin, thus substantiating their potential as MDR reversers. The strongest synergistic interaction was found for balsaminal and balsaminol G.

In vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Cucumis L. and Momordica L. against Human Pathogens

Plants are the rich source of compounds having antimicrobial properties against human pathogens. The present study has been carried out to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of Cucumis melo var. agrestis (morphotype I), Cucumis melo var. agrestis (morphotype II), Cucumis melo var. momordica L., Cucumis melo L., Momordica balsamina L., Momordica charantia L., Momordica dioica L. against Staphylococcus aureus,Pseudomonas flourescens, Bacillus coagulans, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Crude extract of Cucumis L. and Momordica L. species were prepared with methanol, acetone and water for the determination of antimicrobial properties. Maximum yield was reported in methanol extract while minimum in acetone for all plant species. The maximum zone of inhibition of about 32.3 ± 0.57 mm was found against Staphylococcus aureus in Cucumis melo L., 21.3 ± 0.57 mm for Pseudomonas flourescens in Cucumis melo var. agrestis (morphotype II), 17 ± 0 mm for Klebsiella pneumoniae in Momordica balsamina L., and 23.3 ± 0.57 mm for Bacillus coagulans in Cucumis melo var. agrestis (morphotype II) extracts, respectively. The most active antimicrobial plants species werereported to be Cucumis melo var. agrestis (morphotype I), Cucumis melo L. and Momordica charantia L. having antimicrobial activities against all tested microorganisms.

A Comparison of Bioactive Metabolites, Antinutrients, and Bioactivities of African Pumpkin Leaves (Momordica balsamina L.) Cooked by Different Culinary Techniques.

Prior to consumption, African pumpkin leaves (Momordica balsamina L.) are generally cooked. In this study, the effects of common household cooking methods (boiling, steaming, microwaving, stir-frying) on bioactive metabolites, carotenoids, antioxidant activity, antinutrients and inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities were examined. A set of 14 bioactive metabolites were identified in raw and cooked African leaves using UPLC-QTOF/MS. The results showed that the four different types of household cooking methods had different effects on the bioactive metabolomics profile of African pumpkin leaves. In comparison to raw leaves and leaves cooked in other methods, the concentrations of six phenolic compounds, rutin, cryptochlorogenic acid (4-caffeoylquinic acid), pseudolaroside A, isorhamnetin 3-O-robinoside, quercetin 3-galactoside, and trans-4-feruloylquinic acid, were highest in stir-fried leaves. Of all household cooking methods tested, stir-frying increased the content of lutein, β-carotene, and zeaxanthin by 60.00%, 146.15%, and 123.51%, respectively. Moreover, stir-frying African pumpkin leaves increased the antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS) and the inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Compared to all four methods of household cooking, stir-frying reduced the antinutritive compounds compared to raw leaves. This work provides useful information to the consumers on the selection of suitable cooking methods for African pumpkin leaves.

Momordica balsamina: phytochemistry and pharmacological potential of a gifted species.

Momordica balsamina L. (Cucurbitaceae), frequently named balsam apple, southern balsam pear or African pumpkin, is a vegetable with high nutritional value, being mostly used as food in sub-Saharan Africa. It has also been largely used in traditional medicine to treat several diseases, such as malaria fevers and diabetes. As a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, the main constituents are cucurbitane-type triterpenoids, with different oxidation patterns, named cucurbitacins. This review aims at summarizing our contribution to the phytochemical study of M. balsamina and the evaluation of the isolated cucurbitacins and derivatives as multidrug resistance reversers in cancer cells and bacteria. In this way, the selective antiproliferative activity against multidrug resistant cancer cells of cucurbitacins obtained from M. balsamina, their ability as P-glycoprotein inhibitors in cancer cells overexpressing this ABC transporter, as well as efflux pump inhibitors in resistant bacteria strains are reviewed. Moreover, the in vitro antimalarial activity of cucurbitacins and acyl derivatives against the blood and liver-stages of Plasmodium strains, and the in vivo activity of selected compounds is also reviewed. Besides our work, edible and medicinal uses, and other studies mainly reporting the biological activities of M. balsamina extracts, such as antidiabetic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties are also addressed.

Synthesis and Evaluation of the Antidiabetic Potentials of Chitosan Combinations with Metformin and Momordica Balsamina Leaf Extract in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Chitosan, a carbohydrate biopolymer, is medically gaining attention as a dietary supplement and a drug beneficial for improving blood glycemia, impaired glucose tolerance and altered lipid metabolism. Largely obtained from crustaceans, chitosan is also a promising vehicle used to deliver anti-diabetic drugs in implantable as well as injectable and oral routes. The present study is therefore aimed to synthesize chitosan and evaluate its antidiabetic potentials in combination with metformin and/or methanolic leaf extract of Momordica balsamina (MBM) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Chitosan was synthesized from crayfish shell through demineralization, deproteinization, deacetylation, and decolouration of the produced chitin. In the present study, a simple and an inexpensive acid-base titrimetric method was used for the determination of degree of deacetylation while the physicochemical properties; moisture content and ash content were determined using standard procedures.The efficacy of the drug binary systems of chitosan-metformin and chitosan-MBM were evaluated on the glucose tolerance of Wistar Albino rats made diabetic by a single interperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg body weight). The oral administration of both drug binary systems and chitosan exerted a significant (p<0.05) improvement on carbohydrate metabolism via glucose tolerance test when compared to the untreated diabetic rats. The blood glucose level of the chitosan group returned to near normal level 2 hours post-porandially, while chitosan-MBM, chitosanmetformin and metformin groups returned to their initial values only after 4 hours. Our findings are suggestive of the fact that chitosan-based drug binary systems possess anti-hyperglycemic activities and thus the potential to improve the pharmacokinetic and pharmacological profile of oral hypoglycemic drugs/herbs. Our findings could serve as basis for the development of novel antidiabetic drug systems.
 Keywords: Antidiabetic, Chitosan, Metformin, Methanolic extract, Momordica balsamina

Antibacterial Activity of the Methanolic Leaf Extract of Some Medicinal Plants used by Traditional Birth Attendants in Sokoto Metropolis

Leaves of Ocimum basilicum, Leptadania hastata and Momordica balsamina are locally used by traditional birth attendants at pre and post-partum. The present study investigates the phytochemical and antimicrobial activity of the leaf extracts against isolates of L. monocytogenes. Standard microbiological techniques were used to isolate and identify the bacteria. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, alkaloids, terpinoids and glycosides in the studied extracts. MIC of the extract of M. balsamina shows a total inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes at a concentration of 2,000µg/mL. No isolate was inhibited at concentration lower than 125µg/mL of M. balsamina extract. MIC of the extract against L. hastata was observed at a concentration of 2,000µg/mL. O. basilicum extract inhibited the growth of the isolates at a concentration of 2,000µg/mL. The MBC of the extracts, was between 5,000-0.61µg/mL were used, however, no antibacterial activity was observed on the bacterium with any of the three plants extracts at all concentration levels (0.61-5000πg/mL). The leaf extracts demonstrated significant inhibitory activity but lack bacteriocidal effects on L. monocytogenes. It was recommended that further studies on the preparation, effective doses and side effects of these extracts in animal models are warranted.

Toxicological Activity of the Methanolic Leaf Extract of Some Medicinal Plants Used in Sokoto Township and Environs

Inspite of the availability of different antiseptic and antibiotics in most localities in some parts of the world, there is still a number of information on the usage of some local plants in various kinds of treatments of different ill-health conditions. Leaves of Ocimum basilicum, Leptadania hastata and Momordica balsamina are locally used by traditional birth attendants at pre and post-partum periods. The present study investigates the phytochemical compositions and toxicity of the leaf extracts of the plants against isolates of Listeria monocytogenes. Standard microbiological techniques and polymerase chain reaction was used to isolate and identify the bacteria. Phytochemical analysis was done and cytotoxicity of the extracts at different concentrations (MBC, OBC and LHC) were determined using human erythrocytes. Results of the phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, alkaloids, terpinoids and glycosides in the studied extracts. Toxicity to erythrocytes, expressed as percentage hemolysis of only 17.27% (MBC1) was seen in one of the plants; M. balsamina. Similarly, the other extracts exhibited minimal toxicity to human erythrocytes (LHC1= 15.45%; OBC1= 7.6%). It was concluded that all the plant leaf extracts are safe for human consumption. Studies on the preparation, effective doses and side effects of these extracts in vivo are hereby recommended.

Southern balsam pear (Momordica balsamina L.): Characterization of underutilized cucurbitaceous vegetable

The Southern balsam pear (Momardica balsamina) is a non-tuber vegetable with a genus name Momordica, which belongs to Cucurbitaceae family and considered as one of the most untapped crop and not popularized in any cuisine. Its tender fruits are utilized as vegetables, hence it necessitate to exploit as commercial vegetable. Thereby preliminary study was carried to examine the morphological, agronomical and nutritional traits. The results revealed that annual growth habit of plants with monoecious sex form, anthesis occur in between 4 and 8 AM, flowers are light yellowish with green stigma and symmetric anthers. Fruit shape varied with ovoid to ellipsoid without tubercles on fruit surface, and were with light green berries. It is sexually propagated by seeds, which are round oval shape, seeds noted to be an epigeal type of germination. The leaves are serrated by wider angles, stem is angular without pubescence with the fibrous root system. The fruits are rich in minerals namely potassium (43.67 mg/100 g), phosphorous (9.67 mg/100 g), calcium (2.02 mg/100 g) and iron (1.24 mg/100 g). It is also a good source of antioxidants, especially ascorbic acid (65.54 mg/100 g), total carotenoids (2.78 mg/100 g), and lycopene (2.10 mg/100 g). The observed results revealed that the stated crop has low agronomical performance for fruit yield attributes. Therefore, acquired information will be used in the exploration and diversification of Southern balsam pear for genetic improvement and breeding of ecotypes for sustainable cultivation of vegetable.

Cooking African Pumpkin Leaves (Momordicabalsamina L.) by Stir-Frying Improved Bioactivity and Bioaccessibility of Metabolites-Metabolomic and Chemometric Approaches.

The leaves of African pumpkins (Momordica balsamina L.) are a commonly consumed traditional vegetable. They are a good source of polyphenolic antioxidants and carotenoids, which are, however, affected by cooking or digestion. We investigated the effect of household cooking methods (stir-frying or boiling) on the changes in bioactive metabolites, antioxidant capacity, release and accessibility of β-carotene and also inhibition of inhibitory activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes during in vitro digestion of African pumpkin leaves compared to the raw leaves. Compared to boiled or raw leaves, stir-frying improved the availability of bioactive metabolites at the gastrointestinal phase. Quercetin 3-galactoside and rhamnetin 3-O-glucoside (marker compounds) discriminated the stir-fried leaves from raw leaves and boiled leaves after digestion. Stir-frying improved the release and accessibility of β-carotene and enhanced the antioxidant activities compared to boiling. Dialysable fractions of stir-fried leaves exhibited the greatest inhibitory activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes compared to the raw and boiled leaves, as well as acarbose. Stir-frying, therefore, is recommended for use in household cooking to benefit consumers by increasing the intake of phenolics and β-carotene.

Pre-germinative treatments to overcome dormancy of Momordica balsamina L. seeds under different temperatures

The Cucurbitaceae Family has some dormant species, including Momordica balsamina L. (Cacana). Therefore, methods have been used to overcome dormancy, as these help to accelerate the germination process. In this way, the objective was to evaluate, by means of pre-germinative treatments under the effect of different temperatures, the germinative behavior of Momordica balsamina L. seeds. Temperatures with four repetitions of 25 seeds. The seeds were submitted to the following treatments: T1-removal of the integument; T2-wetting the substrate with 0,1% KNO3 solution; T3-pre-cooling to 10oC for 3 days and T4-control. Subsequently, the germination and seedling emergence tests were set up and then placed in B.O.D. at temperatures of 25, 30 and 35oC, the tests were evaluated: first germination count, germination, seedling emergence speed and seedling emergence. The results showed physical seed dormancy. The removal of the tegument and the temperatures of 25 or 30oC, with 97 and 96% of germinated seeds respectively, provided ideal conditions for germination.

Molecular Spectroscopic (FTIR and UV-Vis) and Hyphenated Chromatographic (UHPLC-qTOF-MS) Analysis and In Vitro Bioactivities of the Momordica balsamina Leaf Extract

Momordica balsamina (M. balsamina) is a medicinal herb comprising health-promoting secondary metabolites. This study was aimed to profile bioactive compounds in the methanolic extract of M. balsamina leaves using molecular spectroscopic (UV-Vis and FTIR) and hyphenated chromatographic (UHPLC-qTOF-MS) techniques and evaluate the biological (in vitro anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity) activities of the extract. The preliminary phytochemical screening tests revealed the presence of cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids. The UV-Vis profile revealed various absorption bands ranging from 200 to 750 nm, indicating the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, terpenoids, carotenoids, chlorophyll, and alkaloids. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, anthraquinones, and phenolic compounds. A high-resolution and accurate mass spectrometer (LC-QTOF-MS model LC-MS-9030 instrument) was used, and the results confirmed the presence of flavonoid aglycones, such as quercetin, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol, as well as pseudolaroside A and dicaffeoylquinic and feruloyl isocitric acids. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of pseudolaroside A dimer and feruloyl isocitric acid in M. balsamina leaves. In vitro cytotoxicity assay showed that the extract was nontoxic against human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT29 and Caco2), Vero, and RAW 264.7 cells. However, the extract showed anti-inflammatory activity on RAW 264.7 cells. The study confirmed that M. balsamina leaves contain nontoxic secondary metabolites that may play a pivotal role in human health as anti-inflammatory agents.

Phytochemical Analysis and In vivo Evaluation of Individual Activity of Ethanolic Leaf Extracts of Azadirachta indica, Senna occidentalis and Momordica balsamina against Plasmodium berghei Infected Mice

Malaria is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in tropics and subtropics region with Nigeria accounting for the highest proportions in Africa. This is accompanied with emerging resistance to available drugs, posing it a public health concern. This study is aimed at determining the invivo activity of the individual ethanolic leaf extracts of the Azadirachta indica, Senna occidentalis and Momordica balsamina. The leaves of A. indica, S. occidentalis and M. balsamina were subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening. Ethanolic extraction of leaves of plants was carried out and invivo evaluation of the individual activity of extracts determined using standard procedures. 55 mice were randomly divided into 11 groups lettered A – K; positive group, negative group and 9 extract groups. Results showed that M. balsamina had the highest yield of 7.6%, followed by A. indica with 6.5% and S. occidentalis with 5.7%. The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presences of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, phenolics and tannin in all plants. The comparison of the individual study groups showed that Senna occidentalis is more effective at 600mg/kg dosage and prolonged survival of the mice in its group in the study period. This plant possessed significant (P-value <0.05) antiplasmodial activity, thus lowered parasitaemia in infected mice.

Hydrothermal Processing and In Vitro Simulated Human Digestion Affects the Bioaccessibility and Bioactivity of Phenolic Compounds in African Pumpkin (Momordica balsamina) Leaves.

The African pumpkin (Momordica balsamina) contains bioactive phenolic compounds that may assist in reducing oxidative stress in the human body. The leaves are mainly consumed after boiling in water for a specific time; this hydrothermal process and conditions of the gastrointestinal tract may affect the presence and bioactivity of phenolics either positively or negatively. In this study, the effects of hydrothermal processing (boiling) and in vitro simulated human digestion on the phenolic composition, bioaccessibility and bioactivity in African pumpkin were investigated in comparison with those of spinach (Spinacia oleracea). A high-resolution ultra-performance liquid chromatography, coupled with diode array detection, quadrupole time-of-flight and mass spectrometer (UPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS) was used to profile phenolic metabolites. Metabolites such as 3-caffeoylquinic acid, 5-caffeoylquinic acid, 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid were highly concentrated in the boiled vegetable extracts compared to the raw undigested and all digested samples. The majority of African pumpkin and spinach extracts (non-digested and digested) protected Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), (mouse fibroblast) L929 and human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells from 2,2′-Azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced oxidative damage. From these results, the consumption of boiled African pumpkin leaves, as well as spinach, could be encouraged, as bioactive metabolites present may reduce oxidative stress in the body.

Genotoxic effect of fruit extract of wild and cultivated cucurbits using Allium cepa assay

ABSTRACT Many chemical substances in plants have the potential to be toxins, which may induce harm by altering physiological mechanisms. Allium cepa L. assay is a sensitive test used for the determination of anti-mitotic and genotoxic effects in plant extracts. Genotoxic effects of aqueous, acetone, and methanolic fruit extracts of the cucurbit species were studied using the A. cepa bioassay, of which Cucumis melo var. agrestis L. and Momordica balsamina L. are wild and C. melo. L., C. melo. var. momordica L., M. charantia L., and M. dioica L. are cultivated. Onion bulbs were exposed to fruit extracts for 48 h and onion roots were examined with a microscope to determine their effect on cells. The extracts were slightly mito-depressants with a minimum mitotic index (46.20 ± 0.23%) in methanolic fruit extract of C. melo var. momordica, compared to the aqueous solution, a negative control (64.20 ± 0.12%), and 1 mg∙L−1sodium azide (NaN3) solution (22.53 ± 0.41%). The highest percentage of clastogenic aberrations was in the methanolic extract of C. melo var. momordica (11.8%) and least in the aqueous extract of C. melo var. momordica (2%). Also, mitotic abnormalities, chromosome stickiness, chromatin transfer, chromatin bridges, disorientation of chromosomes, laggards, and polar deviation occurred in root cells of A. cepa. Genotoxicity has been reported in different fruit extracts of cucurbits, which needs to be further investigated in animal models to nullify possible detrimental effects in humans.

Effects Of Aqueous Extract Of Momordica Balsamina L. On Milk Yield, Lactogenic Hormones And Biomarkers Of Oxidative Stress In Lactating Wistar Rats

Background: Momordica balsamina L. is a medicinal plant used in traditional medicine to stimulate milk production. The study was designed to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Momordica balsamina L. on milk yield, serum lactogenic hormones and biomarkers of oxidative stress in lactating. Material and methods: Twenty five female lactating Wistar rats (n = 25) with 4 pups each were divided into five (5) groups of five (5) rats each and treated as follows: Group I: 1ml/kg distilled water; group II: 5 mg/kg metoclopramide; group III: 200 mg/kg; group IV: 400 mg/kg and group V: 800 mg/kg of Momordica balsamina L., respectively. Administration was done orally once daily at 18:00 hr for a period of 10 days, during which the milk yield was calculated daily at 18 hr after gavage. At the end of the experiment, the Wistar rats were sacrificed and blood samples and mammary tissue were harvested for analysis of prolactin, growth hormone and biomarkers of oxidative stress and histological studies. Results: There was a significantly lower serum prolactin level (p< 0.05) in the 800 mg/kg treated group when compared to the control. Serum growth hormone level was significantly higher in all the treated as compared with the control group (p< 0.05). Momordica balsamina L. stimulated a significant increase (p< 0.05) in milk yield at 400 mg/kg when compared to the control group. It also caused a significantly lower (p < 0.05) serum activity of superoxide dismutase in the 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg groups compared to the control group. While, serum glutathione peroxidase and catalase were significantly lower (p< 0.05) in the 800 mg/kg treated groups, when compared to the control group. Significantly higher (p< 0.05) serum Melondialdehyde levels were observed in the treated compared to the control. The mammary glands of rats treated with the extract showed lobuloalveolar development at 400 mg/kg. Conclusion: The study highlighted that Momordica balsamina L. stimulates mean milk yield, increase serum growth hormone and enhance lobuloaveolar development.

Momordica balsamina L.: An Appraisal on Morphology, Ecological Diversity, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological and Biotechnological Applications

Background: Momordica balsamina L. is a monoecious climbing vine and perennial herb native to the tropical regions of Asia, Arabia and the Caribbean, and with prominent presence in Nigeria, Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland and Southern African provinces. While evidence of its anecdotal usage as medicine exist, scientific reports complementing the claims are still emerging or at their infancy. Objective: This review appraised the morphology, therapeutic and biotechnological significance of M. balsamina. Method: Online resources such as Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect and MeSH were utilized for literature search and included relevant information from inception till May 2020 to streamline sought outcomes for in-depth discussion. Results: The data gathered and considered worthy of inclusion in this study revealed that M. balsamina is rich in phytonutrients of medicinal significance with cucurbitane-type triterpenoids, balsamin and momordins well characterized and fully elucidated. These compounds and other novel bioactive agents in M. balsamina have found remarkable pharmacological relevance and could further be harnessed for use against several debilitating human disorders. Conclusion: The potential applications of M. balsamina as nutraceutical and pharmaceutical agent should not be undermined. Also, with the inadequate toxicological data on this wild species, its consumption should be with caution and translational studies that could advance scientific knowledge and aid better understanding of both its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics without sidelining its potent biotechnological applications are highly encouraged. It is hoped that this paper will provide baseline information that could serve as a guide and inspiration for further studies on the prospects of M. balsamina.

In vitro antimetastatic activity of Momordica balsamina crude acetone extract in HT-29 human colon cancer cells.

Plant-derived compounds and/or extracts have proven to be beneficial for the treatment of a broad spectrum of cancers with minimal side effects. In this study, we investigated whether a crude acetone extract of Momordica balsamina (MBE) can interfere with the metastatic ability of HT-29 colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. The phytochemical composition of MBE was determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography and cytotoxic effects by the MTT and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining assays. The effect of MBE on the formation of reactive oxygen species was assessed using the DCFH2 -DA assay. Wound healing assay, transwell cell invasion assay, cell adhesion assay, and the extracellular matrix-cell adhesion array were used to assess the antimetastatic effects of MBE. The effect of MBE on the expression of TNF-α, NF-κB, TIMP-3, MMP-2, and MMP-9 was assessed by western blot analysis. Our results showed that MBE consists of a mixture of compounds without a known anticancer activity in CRC and exhibits cytotoxicity against HT-29 cells. MBE also suppressed reactive oxygen species formation, cell invasion, cell migration, and cell adhesion. The reduction of cell invasion was associated with the downregulation of TNF-α, NF-κB, MMP2, and MMP9 and upregulation of TIMP-3 proteins. We concluded that MBE inhibits the metastatic ability of HT-29 CRC cells in vitro.