Seeds Of Momordica Charantia Research Articles

Biopriming of Momordica charantia Seeds with Enterobacter to Improve Nutritional and Biochemical Attributes

The increasing world population needs a standard balanced diet to address malnutrition problems. For this purpose, seed priming is one of the best techniques, which helps to increase the production of functional and nutritional food crops. Different techniques have been used for seed priming, but biological priming is the most frequently used because biocontrol agents offer a friendly environment for the growth of food crops. In this study, Momordica charantia L. seeds were subjected to a strain of Enterobacter sp. FD17 as a biocontrol agent at different time exposures (i.e., 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h). Leaf growth, flavonoids, chlorophyll content, amino acids, soluble sugars, protein, and total soluble phenolics were studied in the vegetative stage. The yield of nutritive components was evaluated from fruit, peel, and pulp of M. charantia. Biopriming was revealed to improve the final emergence rate, mean emergence time, seedling vigor, emergence index, and vigor indices I and II. Among the growth parameters, the root (0.45 ± 0.045 g) and shoot fresh weight (1.23 ± 0.05 g), leaf area (15.52 ± 1.5 cm), shoot length (30.33 ± 0.58 cm), number of flowers (6 ± 1.0), fruit weight (96.33 ± 1.15 g), and germination percentage (56.67 ± 11.55%) were also improved. Among biochemical analyses, biopriming improved chlorophyll a (6.33 ± 0.58 mg/g) and b (8.58 ± 2.5 mg/g), total soluble sugar (33.13 ± 2.24%), and total chlorophyll content (9.0 ± 1.5 mg/g). The nutritional analysis showed that free amino acids (1.43 ± 0.02 mg/g), total soluble sugar (42.53 ± 1.65%), ash (20.53 ± 2.57%), and catalase (347.47 ± 34.76 U/g) were increased in fruit, while crude fiber (3.62 ± 0.1%) and peroxidase (5.61 ± 0.34 U/g) in peel and protein and metabolizable energy in peel and fruit were increased. Among the water, acetone, and methanol extracts, the maximum antibacterial activity was shown by methanol extracts of leaves against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial species (i.e., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively) with inhibitory diameters of 3 mm. Biopriming also improved the phenolic contents in the leaves and fruits of M. charantia. Biopriming treatment was also revealed to be directly correlated with antiglycation activity. Therefore, biopriming treatment on seeds could be used to manipulate plant cell metabolism with a substantial improvement in phenolic content, antibacterial activity, and growth of M. charantia.

Comparative Plant Metabolomics of Momordica charantia Seeds and Fruits

Comparative Plant Metabolomics of Momordica charantia Seeds and Fruits

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.
 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.

Standardization Studies of Momordica charantia Seed with Physicochemical and Preliminary Phytochemical Accounts

Momordica charantia Linn also known as Karela or bitter guard is commonly used vegetable of Cucurbitaceae family. Phytochemical constituent present in seeds contains oil, and sterols possesses the anti bacterial anti microbial and anti inflammatory properties which makes it one of the oldest plant used is natural Indian medicinal system. Present study was aimed to study organoleptic characterization, determination of moisture, total ash, acid-insoluble, water-soluble ash and protein contents, Loss on drying, heavy metals and microbial profile of Momordica charantia seed without seed coat. Furthermore qualitative test for secondary metabolites were performed for bitters, saponine, terpenoids, phenolic acids, glycosides, carbohydrates and reducing sugars were marked in preliminary tests. In final standardization extracts were taken for UV spectroscopy (at 270nm wavelength) at different concentrations against standard for quantitative analysis. After preparing different compositions mobile phase containing ethylene acetate: water: formic acid (7.7:1.3:0.9) was selected for TLC of chlorogenic acid marking in aqueous extract of Momordica charantia seed and gallic acid was run using mobile phase using toluene: formic acid: methanol (3.3: 0.8: 0.2) showed the presence of markers against standard. The plates were prepared and developed in mobile phase and Rf value was calculated. Photography of plates was done under UV visible mode. The above findings can be helpful in further research to reveal the reverse pharmacology of Momordica charantia seeds reported in traditional uses with significant way to design newer outcomes in diseases related with inflammatory and immune markers.

Antimicrobial Activity of Electrospun Nanofibers Film Incorporated with Momordica charantia Seed Oil for Strawberry Freshness

Antimicrobial Activity of Electrospun Nanofibers Film Incorporated with Momordica charantia Seed Oil for Strawberry Freshness

Momordica anti-HIV protein MAP30 abrogates the Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 1 dependent functions in host cells

Originally extracted from Momordica charantia seeds, the antiviral and anti-tumor activities of Momordica anti-HIV protein MAP30 have become well known. Although MAP30 has been reported to possess antiviral activity against several human viruses, the current understanding of the MAP30-mediated antiviral response is mainly derived from the previous research work on anti-HIV herbal medicines; the mechanistic insight of its effects on other viruses remains largely unknown. In this study, we showed that both ectopically expressed and purified recombinant MAP30 (rMAP30) impeded Epstein-Barr virus Nuclear Antigen 1 (EBNA1)-mediated transcription from the viral latent replication origin. Mechanistically, in vivo and in vitro studies revealed that MAP30 caused EBNA1 to dissociate from the cognate binding sites, which disrupted downstream EBNA1-dependent viral epigenome accumulation and cell maintenance of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated neoplastic cells. Finally, mutational analysis indicated that the N-terminal ricin A homologous domain shared by ricin-like proteins was implicated in the anti-EBV response. Our study provides evidence to support that MAP30 has a unique property to combat EBV latent infection, suggesting a potential to develop this herbal protein to be an alternative medicine for EBV associated diseases.

Valorization of Momordica charantia seeds into phytogenically synthesized silver nanoparticles for the protection of oyster mushrooms against Trichoderma pleuroticola

Green mold caused by Trichoderma pleuroticola is the most invasive disease of oyster mushrooms, causing massive losses worldwide. Herein, we valorized food waste, the Momordica seed extract (MSE), into silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-MSE). The synthesis parameters were optimized, and the biogenic AgNPs showed a remarkable antifungal activity against T. pleuroticola. Quantitative and qualitative analyses showed that the MSE was rich in bioactive compounds. The highly stable AgNPs-MSE was synthesized under the following conditions: MSE–AgNO3 ratio, 5:95; synthesis time, 9 min; temperature, 60 °C; and pH, 8.0. The UV absorption spectra showed surface plasma resonance peak at 428 nm, confirming the presence of spherical nanoparticles. FTIR spectra ascertained the involvement of phytoconstituents in the MSE during synthesis, and X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a face-centered cubic (fcc) crystalline structure with an average particle size of 11.34 nm. HR-TEM analysis corroborated the spherical shape, with a nanoparticle size of 8.0 nm. EDX analysis revealed the presence of silver, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and chlorine in the AgNPs-MSE, which was further substantiated by XPS analysis. A zeta potential of − 29.7 mV and PDI of 0.144 revealed the good stability and uniformity of the synthesized AgNPs-MSE. The optimized AgNPs-MSE exhibited a potent antifungal activity against T. pleuroticola at 300 ppm in vitro. SEM and TEM analyses of AgNPs-MSE-treated T. pleuroticola showed hyphal system breakage and leakage of cytoplasmic contents that leads to cell death. Therefore, the use of the AgNPs-MSE as a nanoparticle-based fungicide has the potential to effectively control T. pleuroticola for oyster mushroom protection.

Momordica charantia seed proteins - Purification, biochemical characterization of a class II α-mannosidase isoenzyme and its interaction with the lectin and protein body membrane

Momordica charantia seeds contain a galactose specific lectin and mixture of glycosidases. These bind to lectin-affigel at pH 5.0 and are all eluted at pH 8.0. From the mixture, α-mannosidase was separated by gel filtration (purified enzyme Mr ∼ 238 kDa). In native PAGE (silver staining) it showed three bands that stained with methylumbelliferyl substrate (possible isoforms). Ion exchange chromatography separated two isoforms in 0.5 M eluates and one isoform in 1.0 M eluate. In SDS-PAGE it dissociated to Mr ∼70 and 45 kDa subunits, showing antigenic similarity to jack bean enzyme. MALDI analysis confirmed the 70 kDa band to be α-mannosidase with sequence identity to the genomic sequence of Momordica charantia enzyme (score 83, 29 % sequence coverage). The pH, temperature optima were 5.0 and 60o C respectively. Kinetic parameters KM and Vmax estimated with p-nitrophenyl α-mannopyranoside were 0.85 mM and 12.1 U/mg respectively. Swainsonine inhibits the enzyme activity (IC50 value was 50 nM). Secondary structural analysis at far UV (190–300 nm) showed 11.6 % α-helix and 36.5 % β-sheets. 2.197 mg of the enzyme was found to interact with 3.75 mg of protein body membrane at pH 5.0 and not at pH 8.0 suggesting a pH dependent interaction.

Isolation of Momordica charantia seed lectin and glycosidases from the protein bodies: Lectin-glycosidase (β-hexosaminidase) protein body membrane interaction reveals possible physiological function of the lectin

Momordica charantia seeds are known to contain a galactose specific lectin that has been well characterized. Seed extracts also contain glycosidases such as the β-hexosaminidase, α-mannosidase and α-galactosidase. In the present study, lectin was affinity purified from the seed extracts and protein bodies isolated by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. From the protein bodies, lectin was identified and β-hexosaminidase was isolated by lectin affinity chromatography and subsequently separated from other glycosidases by gel filtration. In the native PAGE, the purified β-hexosaminidase migrated as a single band with a molecular weight of ∼235 kDa and by zymogram analysis using 4-methylumbelliferyl N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminide substrate it was confirmed as β-hexosaminidase. Under reducing conditions in SDS-PAGE, the purified enzyme dissociated into three bands (Mr 33, 20 and 15 kDa). The prominent bands (20 and 15 kDa) showed immunological cross-reactivity with the human Hexosaminidase B antibody in a western blot experiment. In gel digestion of the purified enzyme, followed by proteomic analysis using tandom MS/MS revealed sequence identity as compared to the genomic sequence of the Momordica charantia with a score of 57 (24% sequence coverage). Additionally, by CD analysis the purified β-hexosaminidase showed 39.1% of α-helix. Furthermore, secondary structure variations were observed in presence of substrate, lectin and at different pH values. Protein body membrane prepared from the isolated protein bodies showed a pH dependent interaction with the purified lectin and mixture of glycosidases.

Interaction of sugar stabilised silver nanoparticles with Momordica charantia seed lectin, a type II ribosome inactivating protein.

Sugar-stabilised nanomaterials have received a lot of attention in cancer therapy in recent years due to their pronounced application as specific targeting agents and maximizing their therapeutic potential while bypassing off-target effects. Lectins, the carbohydrate-binding proteins, are capable of binding to receptors present on the target cell/tissue and interact with transformed glycans better than normal cells. Besides some of the lectins exhibit anticancer activity. Conjugating sugar-stabilised NPs with lectins there for is expected to multiply the potential for the early diagnosis of cancer cells and the specific release of drugs into the tumor site. Because of the prospective applications of lectin-sugar-stabilised nanoparticle conjugates, it is important to understand their molecular interaction and physicochemical properties. Momordica charantia Seed Lectin (MCL) is a type II RIP and has been known as an anti-tumor agent. Investigation of the interaction between sugar-stabilised silver nanoparticles and MCL has been performed by fluorescence spectroscopy to explore the possibility of creating an effective biocompatible drug delivery system against cancer cells. In this regard interaction between lectin and NPs should be well-preserved, while recognizing the specific cell surface sugar. Therefore experiments were carried out in the presence and absence of specific sugar galactose. Protein intrinsic fluorescence emission is quenched at ~ 20% at saturation during the interaction without any significant shift in fluorescence emission maximum. Binding experiments reveal a good affinity. Tetrameric MCL binds to a single nanoparticle. Stern-Volmer analysis of the quenching data suggests that the interaction is via static quenching leading to complex formation. Hemagglutination experiments together with interaction studies in the presence of specific sugar show that the sugar-binding site of the lectin is distinct from the nanoparticle-binding site and cell recognition is very much intact even after binding to AgNPs. Our results propose the possibility of developing MCL-silver nanoparticle conjugate with high stability and multiple properties in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Oil Extract of Momordica charantia Seed (OEMCS) Exhibits Biphasic Effect on Blood Coagulation, Antiplatelet and Antioxidant Properties

Aim: Extraction of Oil from Momordica charantia seed and its characterization. Materials and Methods: Oil was extracted from the dried seeds of Momordica charantia using Soxhlet apparatus with petroleum as a solvent at the temperature of 60°C for about 8 hr. Momordica charantia seed oil was characterized using GC-MS. anticoagulant, antiplatelet, and antioxidant assay toxicity studies were carried out. Results: The fatty acid profile obtained from GCMS suggested the presence of lipids at a fair percentage. (Saturated fats-38.67%, unsaturated fats-59.39% (MUFA- 1.56% and PUFA-57.83). The iodine value of extracted fatty acid was found to be 66.7 with a refractive index of 1.493 at 40°C. OEMCS exhibited a biphasic effect on plasma recalcification time. OEMCS showed a strong procoagulant effect at volume 1 to 10 μg by decreasing the clotting time from control 291 to 33sec. However, as the volume of oil was increased above 10μg it drastically shifted from pro-coagulation to anticoagulation by increasing the clotting time from 194 sec to 267 sec. Furthermore, the effect of OEMCS oil on platelet aggregation was analyzed using agonists such as ADP and epinephrine. Interestingly, OEMCS oil showed 44% and 97% platelet aggregation inhibition for ADP and Epinephrine in platelet-rich plasma. The antioxidant property of oil extract was tested by DPPH and LPO assays, OEMCS oil showed bleaching of DPPH absorption, reflecting on proton donating ability, and thereby free radical scavenging ability was confirmed. OEMCS decreased by 80% lipid peroxidation when compared with NaNo2-treated PRP alone at the highest dose of 150μg. OEMCS did not cause hemolysis to RBC, hemorrhage, and edema in experimental animals revealing its non-toxic nature. Conclusion: OEMCS exhibits a biphasic effect on plasma coagulation but shows strong antiplatelet and antioxidant activities. Meanwhile, it revealed non-toxic properties, thus OEMCS may prove to be a good natural therapeutic agent in oxidative stress and cardiovascular disorders.

MAPK Cascade Signaling Is Involved in α-MMC Induced Growth Inhibition of Multiple Myeloma MM.1S Cells via G2 Arrest and Mitochondrial-Pathway-Dependent Apoptosis In Vitro

Multiple myeloma is a hematological malignancy characterized by the unrestricted proliferation of plasma cells that secrete monoclonal immunoglobulins in the bone marrow. Alpha-momorcharin (α-MMC) is a type I ribosome-inactivating protein extracted from the seeds of the edible plant Momordica charantia L., which has a variety of biological activities. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of α-MMC on the proliferation of multiple myeloma MM.1S cells and the molecular mechanism of MM.1S cell death induced through the activation of cell signal transduction pathways. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to determine the inhibitory effect of α-MMC on the proliferation of MM.1S cells and its toxic effect on normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The effect of α-MMC on the MM.1S cells' morphology was observed via inverted microscope imaging. The effects of α-MMC on the MM.1S cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and apoptosis were explored using propidium iodide, JC-1, annexin V- fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide fluorescence staining, and flow cytometry (FCM) analysis. Western blot was used to detect the expressions levels of apoptosis-related proteins and MAPK-signaling-pathway-related proteins in MM.1S cells induced by α-MMC. The results of the CCK-8 showed that in the concentration range of no significant toxicity to PBMCs, α-MMC inhibited the proliferation of MM.1S cells in a time-dependent and concentration-dependent manner, and the IC50 value was 13.04 and 7.518 μg/mL for 24 and 48 h, respectively. Through inverted microscope imaging, it was observed that α-MMC induced a typical apoptotic morphology in MM.1S cells. The results of the FCM detection and analysis showed that α-MMC could arrest the MM.1S cells cycle at the G2 phase, decrease the MMP, and induce cell apoptosis. Western blot analysis found that α-MMC upregulated the expression levels of Bax, Bid, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved PARP, and downregulated the expression levels of Mcl-1. At the same time, α-MMC decreased the expression levels of p-c-Raf, p-MEK1/2, p-ERK1/2, p-MSK1, and p-P90RSK, and increased the expression levels of p-p38, p-SPAK/JNK, p-c-Jun, and p-ATF2. The above results suggest that α-MMC can inhibit the proliferation of multiple myeloma MM.1S cells. MAPK cascade signaling is involved in the growth inhibition effect of α-MMC on MM.1S cells via cycle arrest and mitochondrial-pathway-dependent apoptosis.

Biosynthesis and Transfer of α-Elostearic Acid In Vivo in Momordica charantia L. Developing Seeds and In Vitro in Microsomal Fractions of These Seeds.

The research concerned the efficiency of biosynthesis and transfer to triacylglycerols (TAG) of α-eleostearic acid (αESA). The experiments were carried out on developing seeds of Momordica charantia L. and on microsomal fractions obtained from these seeds. The seeds from in vivo conditions were collected 20, 23, 26 and 33 days after pollination (DAP) and used for lipid extraction and further analyses. Microsomal fractions were prepared from seeds at 26 DAP. The most intensive lipid accumulation occurred between 20 and 26 DAP, but continued up to 33 DAP. The most abundant lipid fraction was TAG; up to 98% of total acyl lipids at 33 DAP. The synthesised in vivo αESA was very efficiently transferred to TAG and constituted about 60% of its total fatty acids in 33 DAP. The content of αESA in polar lipids (containing, among others, phosphatidylcholine-the place of αESA biosynthesis) was very low. The biosynthesis of αESA in vitro (assays with microsomal fractions and [14C]-labelled substrates) in the presence of NADPH was fairly intensive (about 60% of the corresponding intensity in vivo) when linolenic acid was used as a substrate. Contrary to the in vivo condition, most of the synthesised in vitro αESA remained in phosphatidylcholine.

Biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles via endophyte Trichoderma viride and evaluation of their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

The biogenic method for synthesis of nanoparticles is preferred over the traditional strategies, on account of its ease, environmental friendliness, and cost-effectivity, wherein fungi endorse themselves to be the most appropriate precursor for the same. In recent times numerous metal nanoparticles have been reported to exhibit significant therapeutic activities, out of which Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) stand apart on account of their multidimensional nature. Thus, this study was carried out with an aim to biosynthesize ZnO NPs utilizing endophyte Trichoderma viride, isolated from the seeds of Momordica charantia. The physicochemical characterization of NPs was done via employing a combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The NPs were found to have a hexagonal shape and possessed an average particle size of around 63.3nm. The antimicrobial activity of NPs was evaluated against multi-drug resistant organisms and it was observed to be an appreciable one whereas the antioxidant activity was deduced to be dose-dependent. Thus, these ZnO NPs can be considered as a probable active ingredient of any future therapeutic conceptualization after undertaking a thorough toxicological assessment.

Anti-leukemic principle(s) from Momordica charantia seeds induce differentiation of HL-60 cells through ERK/MAPK signalling pathway.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10616-022-00547-x.

Antiproliferative efficacy of the antioxidant bioactive compounds of defatted seeds of Azadirachta indica and Momordica charantia against the regulatory function of tumor suppressor gene inducing oral carcinoma

The present study focuses on the antiproliferative activity of polyphenolic flavonoids found in defatted seeds of Azadirachta indica and Momordica charantia with the regulatory function of tumor suppressor genes inducing Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Polyphenolic flavonoid in extracts was characterized using chromatographic analysis and has confirmed the presence of quercetin, rutin and tannic acid in the extracts of A. indica and M. charantia. According to DPPH assay and reducing power assays, free radical scavenging was found to be high in ethanolic extract of defatted seeds. Antiproliferative efficacies of defatted seed extracts against KB cell line (mouth) were studied by MTT assay and revealed that aqueous extract of defatted seeds of M. charantia has exhibited maximum antiproliferative activity against KB cells. Antioxidant activity of defatted seed extracts were observed on treated KB cells by determining enzymatic activity (SOD, Cat, and GST) and nonenzyme content (GSH and MDA Content). Using the AutoDock tool, quercetin, rutin and tannin acid revealed that mutant p53, TWIST related protein, TGF-β and Snail I have the best binging energy results. MD simulation was observed on best docking results between the molecule and identified flavonoid by Desmond V 5.9 package . This leads to the conclusion that bioactive extracts with antiproliferative activity, antioxidant capacity and polyphenols with binding efficacy against tumor suppressor gene regulatory function could be used as a herbal remedy. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Anti-Diabetic Impact of Momordica Charantia Seed and Aloe Barbadensis Miller Gel Powder in Sprague Dawley Rats

Diabetes mellitus is the 4th leading cause of death worldwide. Diet-based approaches to treating various health disorders are considered safe, economical, and sustainable. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is one of the methods used worldwide for the management of diabetes millets. The present study was designed to achieve the following objectives: to analyze bitter melon seed (BMS) and aloe vera gel (AVG) powder for proximate and mineral content; to develop functional chicken nuggets by using various concentrations of both powdered and their compositional analyses and to probe the antidiabetic potential of powders in synergy. A control and two formulations were selected, based on consumer acceptability, for efficacy trial through the animal model of 30 days. For this purpose, 18 diabetic Sprague Dawley Rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. The groups included the positive control group (G0, normal diet) and two other groups with different AVG and BMS powder. G1 group received 50% BMS and 50% AVG powder whereas, G2 was fed on 75% BMS and 25% AVG powder per day. G1 showed a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose level, glycated hemoglobin, cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen, and uric acid, whereas the G2 showed improvement in insulin, HDL-Cholesterol, and triglycerides levels whereas showed better control over time. Supplementation of BMS and AVG can help to control hyperglycemia and related complications.

Gastroprotective Effect of Polypeptide-K Isolated from Momordica charantia's Seeds on Multiple Experimental Gastric Ulcer Models in Rats.

Peptic ulcer disease is a multifactorial disorder and is the most significant public health concern nowadays. Previous study showed that essential oil extracted from Momordica charantia's seed exhibited gastroprotective effect. However, the evidence for the gastroprotective effect of its active compound, polypeptide K (PPK), remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the preventive effect of PPK against different experimental gastric lesions models in rats. The possible gastroprotective effect of PPK was assessed in hydrochloride ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer models in Sprague Dawley rats and was further evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. Pyloric ligation experiments were used to investigate gastric secretion. Oral administration of PPK at all concentrations (10, 25, and 50 mg/kg) showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in total area of lesion in both hydrochloride ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer models. The highest inhibition rate was seen in PPK dose of 50 mg/kg with 64.9% and 72.2% on hydrochloride ethanol and indomethacin models, respectively. Microscopically, PPK preserved the normal architectures of the gastric tissues from being damaged by hydrochloride ethanol and indomethacin. Further, in the pyloric ligation studies, PPK significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the ulcer area where the highest protection was exhibited by 50 mg/kg with 70% inhibition rate. Moreover, all concentrations of PPK also significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the gastric wall mucus secretion. Collectively, this study demonstrated the gastroprotective effect of PPK on hydrochloride ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer models. The possible mechanism might be associated with enhanced mucus secretion and thus lowering the total acidity.

In Vivo Treatment Efficacy of Essential Oil Isolated from Seeds of Momordica charantia in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Mellitus.

All parts of Momordica charantia L. have potential hypoglycemic properties in reversing the metabolic disorder of diabetes mellitus. However, there exists a need for preparing an effective and safer formulation of active phytochemicals. We have also reviewed and analyzed certain patents on such preparatory methods for Momordica charantia L. formulations. This study aimed to isolate essential oil from the seeds of Momordica charantia L., analyze its phytochemicals, and study their anti-diabetic effects. The essential oil was isolated by the hydrodistillation method and analyzed for phytochemicals by GC-MS. Furthermore, its acute toxicity was tested in rats. Anti-diabetic effects were evaluated in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with 17.5 and 55 mg/kg b.wt of essential oil by evaluating blood glucose, serum lipid profile, liver glycogen, protein, and other serum markers such as ALT, AST, ALP, urea, and creatinine. The histologic changes in the liver, pancreas, and kidney were evaluated using Haematoxylin and Eosin staining. The phytochemicals having hypoglycaemic and insulin induction potency were identified in the GC-MS analysis. A highly significant (p≤0.01; p≤0.001) reduction in blood glucose was observed from 17.5 mg/kg and 55 mg/kg essential oil treatments, respectively. Diabetes-associated metabolic alterations (p≤0.001) observed in diabetic control rats such as lipid profile, enzymes, glycogen, protein, urea, and creatinine were normalized upon treatment with essential oil. Moreover, the histologic changes in vital organs reversed in treated rats. The essential oil of Momordica charantia L. seed has promising potency to normalize the metabolic changes of type II diabetes mellitus.

Effect of Various Immersion Time and Water Temperature on Seed Germination of Clitoria ternatea and Momordica charantia

The seeds of Clitoria ternatea and Momordica charantia were subjected to seven pre-sowing treatments, i.e., control (T0), peeled coat and soaked in 5 oC for 24 hours (T1), peeled coat and soaked in 37 oC for 24 hours (T2), peeled coat and soaked in 5 oC for 48 hours (T3), peeled coat and soaked in 37 oC for 48 hours (T4), peeled coat and soaked in 5 oC for 48 hours (T5), peeled coat and soaked in 37 oC for 72 hours (T6). The study revealed that peeling the coat and soaking seeds in water for various temperatures and periods improved seed germination. The highest germination and germination energy percentage of C. ternatea were observed in T2, namely 94.95% and 23.69%, respectively, while the lowest germination (0%) and germination energy (0%) was found in T6. The highest germination and germination energy percentage of M. charantia, namely 64.38%, and 16.10%, respectively, were found in T3, while the lowest germination (10.67%) and germination energy (2.17%) were observed in T0. The germination may vary for both seeds used in the study as C. ternatea and M. charantia are different in type. The pre-sowing treatments of seeds would prove its potential in the practical fields.