HERB SPOTLIGHT: Momordica Charantia

Momordica Charantia also know as bitter melon, bitter gourd and cerasse, among other names is a tropical and subtropical vine that is associated with the Cucurbitaceae family. It is an edible fruit that is widely grown in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. In Asian countries, momordica charantia is a popular healthy vegetable that is very nutritious and is used for its functions of reducing body weight gain and as a diabetic medicine.

Momordica charantia is considered to have a higher nutritional value than other plants within its family because of its higher content of vitamins and minerals. Its bitterness is correlated with the non-toxic alkaloid momordicin. There are different ways that momordica charantia can be used. The immature fruit can be either fried or cooked when preparing. It can also be pickled, canned or dehydrated. To help reduce the bitter taste, it is normally soaked in salt water before cooking. The leaves are often times cooked and then eaten as green leafy vegetables, also the flower, fruit and shoot can be used for flavoring like curry for example.

The constituents of momordica charantia that are known for its main hypoglycemic components are charantin, vicine and polypeptide p, which is an unidentified insulin like protein. There are also proteins that have been isolated from bitter melon for its pharmalogical effects that are antitumor, antiviral and immunotoxin. Other constituents that are found in bitter melon that link it to its anti-diabetic properties are momordin Ic, oleanolic acid 3-0 glucuronide and oleanolic 3-0 monodesmoside, which can be found in the fruit pulp, seeds, leaves basically the whole plant.

A diet that contains bitter melon is benefited by its ability to normalize serum levels in cytokines, which are messenger cells and can reduce diet induced obesity. As we know, obesity is a worldwide epidemic that could manifest into other diseases like cardiovascular disease and other metabolic abnormalities. In realizing this, bitter melon can be used to treat other diseases other than type II diabetes mellitus. Fresh bitter melon juice is used medicinally to reduce plasma glucose concentration and help to maintain better glucose homeostasis from the fruit extract which slow down the formation of blood sugar level dependent cataract.

Currently, processed bitter melon is available in tablet and capsule forms that are marketed under several different brand names around the world. With everything as we know, there are risks associated with medicines and it would be wise to consult a health practitioner first. An adverse effect that has been observed is that the glycosidic compound vicine that is found in bitter melon may cause hemolysis in individuals that has glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

Momordica charantia is a plant that can be used as a vegetable, fruit or herb. It has been used for centuries and is still being used today around the world for a wide variety of ailments. Tests and researches have been conducted that has shown promising results for patients with diabetes. Thanks to its main active constituent, curcurbitane type triterpenoids contain properties that are also anti-cancer, anti-HIV, anti-feedant and anti-oviposition, this makes it possible for more research geared towards preventative measures.

With bitter melon sounding like a super plant, it is very understandable why it is so widely used by so many developing countries for so many years. In Jamaica, this plant is used for a number of ailments including diabetes, hypertension, parasitic worms, abdominal pain, skin problems, fever, constipation, urinary tract infections, to purge the blood and to detoxify the body. Some countries may not have the equipment to test and research the plant, but it has definitely stood the test of time through trial and error. Momordica charantia is a plant that should be looked at closely due to its vast therapeutic nature, it is simply amazing.

References

Bao, B., Chen, Y., Zhang, L., Xu, Y. L., Wang, X., Liu, J., & Qu, W. (2013). Momordica charantia (bitter melon) reduces obesity-associated macrophage and mast cell infiltration as well as inflammatory cytokine expression in adipose tissues. PLoS One,8(12), e84075. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0084075

Haque, M. E., Alam, M. B., & Hossain, M. S. (2011). THE EFFICACY OF CUCURBITANE TYPE TRITERPENOIDS, GLYCOSIDES AND PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS ISOLATED FROM MOMORDICA CHARANTIA: A REVIEW. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 2(5), 1135-1146. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/904929178?accountid=107221

Krawinkel, M. B., & Keding, G. B. (2006). Bitter gourd (momordica charantia): A dietary approach to hyperglycemia. Nutrition Reviews, 64(7), 331-7. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/212320469?accountid=107221