Field Evaluation on Agronomic Characteristics of Newly Introduced Bitter Gourd(Momordica charantia L.)Accessions in Thua Thien Hue Province,Vietnam

The main objective of this study was to evaluate ability of growth and yield of introduced bitter gourd accessions in winter-spring 2016-2017 in Thua Thien Hue province.A total of seven accessions were used in this study.Of these,six accessions were provided by the World Vegetable Center(AVRDC),namely,AVRDC 1329,AVRDC 1330,AVRDC 1331,AVRDC 1333,AVRDC 1334,AVRDC 1335 and one Vietnam local accession(control)from Dien Hai commune,Phong Dien district,Thua Thien Hue province.The results showed that experiment accessions can grow under Thua Thien Hue conditions.AVRDC 1329,AVRDC 1330,and AVRDC 1335 were considered as displaying good growth and development ability.Of those,AVRDC 1330 was the most suitable to consumer as regards to appearance and bitter taste.AVRDC 1330,the control check and AVRDC 1331 had the high actual yield with 16.57,10.65 and 7.88 tons/ha,respectively,and these two introduced accessions can be used for breeding and cultivation under local condition.

Chemical Composition and Use of Momordica charantia L. and Hyptis spicigera Lam. Extracts as Mosquito Larvicides and Insect Growth Regulators against Malarial Vector, Anopheles gambiae Giles

Background: Mosquitoes are responsible of numerous vector-borne diseases and among these diseases is malaria which takes away lives of thousands of people, especially children of under five, particularly in Africa. To reduce the mortality and economic burdens of this deadly disease, synthetic insecticide has been of use to control its main vector, Anopheles gambiae. Due to adverse effects caused by these conventional products on non-target organisms and the environment, plants have been of first choice as they proved their effectiveness against mosquitoes and are said to be eco-friendly and relatively safer. Therefore, the aim of this study was to screen the phytochemicals and determine the larvicidal and adult emergence exhibitory activities of Momordica charantia and Hyptis spicigera leaves extracts against Anopheles gambiae larvae. Methods: The WHO standard protocol for larvicidal activity and IGRs was followed up and concentrations from 500 - 2000 ppm for larvicidal and 500 - 1500 ppm for IGRs were set up. Results: There was the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, steroids, terpenoids and oils in Momordica charantia against alkaloids, taponins, tannins, phenols, steroids, terpenoids and oils in Hyptis spicigera. Methanol crude extract registered the lowest LC50 value of 270.6 ppm followed by ethyl acetate and hexane fractions recorded the LC50 of 742.1 and 756 ppm, respectively for larvicidal activity of Momordica charantia against LC50 of 760 and 867.5 ppm for hexane fraction and methanol crude extract, respectively for Hyptis spicigera. Methanol crude extract and hexane fraction of both plants as well as the ethyl acetate fraction of M. charantia registered greater emergence inhibition with IE50 values of 590.2, 842.3 and 982 ppm for methanol crude extract, hexane and ethyl acetate fractions of M. charantia, respectively against 901.7 and 873.2 for methanol crude extract and hexane fraction of H. spicigera, respectively. Conclusion: The toxicity and adult emergence inhibition may be associated with constituents in both plants that interfere with the normal neuronal, respiratory and endocrine systems functions.

Fusarium Wilt Resistance Identification and Genetic Analysis of Momordica charantia L. Germplasm

Fusarium wilt seriously affects the yield and quality of Momordica charantia L.Breeding resistant varieties is the most economical and effective measure to control Fusarium wilt in M.charantia L.This study had comprehensively conducted pathogen identification of Fusarium wilt,resistance evaluation of M.charantia L.germplasm to Fusarium wilt,and genetic analysis of Fusarium wilt resistance in M.charantia L.,so as to provide reference for breeding resistant varieties and accelerating the breeding process.

CPPU对苦瓜(Momordica charantia L.)单性结实的诱导作用及其机理的研究

以中熟南山大白苦瓜为材料,研究了外源细胞分裂素活性物质CPPU对苦瓜单性结实的诱导作用和CPPU对苦瓜果实内源激素水平的调控,50mg L-1CPPU于花前3d处理,可引起苦瓜子房不正常开花(如花瓣绿色或边缘为绿色,花瓣小、厚、硬、粗糙;柱头干燥、光滑、绿色等)或盲花,使苦瓜子房不能正常受粉或受粉失败,从而形成无籽的苦瓜果实;CPPU处理提高了子房内源GA、IAA水平,是CPPU处理引起受粉失败或不能正常受粉的子房仍然能正常座果并生长发育形成无籽果实的重要原因,同时CPPU处理对内源CTK水平具有抑制作用,对其机制的探讨具有十分重要的意义。

Identification and Evaluation of Cold Tolerance in Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.) at Bud and Seedling Stages under Different Temperature Conditions

[ Objectives] This study was conducted to screen the temperature index most suitable for identification of cold tolerance in bitter gourd （Momordica charantia L. ） at bud and seedling stages. [ Methods] With six different bitter gourd germplasms as experimental materials, the cold tolerance at bud and seedling stages were identified and evaluated. [ Results] At 18℃ , the largest change range of germination potential among different gernlplasms was 11.3% -96.0%, and the largest change range of germination rate was 13.3% - 100.0% ; and the six germplasms could be divided into three grades of cold tolerance. Therefore, 18 9C is an ideal temperature for the identification of cold tolerance in bitter gourd germplasms at bud stage. At 20℃, the cold tolerance in bitter gourd germplasms at bud stage could also be divided into three grades, and the change ranges of germination potential and germination rate were larger than 50.0%, so 20℃ could serve as the candidate temperature for the identification of cold tolerance in bitter gourd germplasms at bud stage. After 1 d of treatment at 6℃, the six bitter gourd germplasms could be divided into three grades, and the cold injury index had the largest range of 20.31 - 84.38 and could serve as the temperature index for the identification of cold tolerance in bitter gourd at seedling stage. [ Conclusions] This study will provide reference for the identification of cold tolerance in bitter gourd at bud stage and seedling stage.

Phytochemical screening and antibacterial activities of Momordica charantia and Vernonia amygdalina extracts on some selected enteric isolates

Background:This research focuses on herbal medicine,an ancient healthcare practice,exploring the antibacterial attributes of fresh and dried leaf extracts from Momordica charantia(commonly known as Bitter melon)and Vernonia amygdalina(Bitter leaf).The study specifically investigates their effects on different bacterial strains associated with gastroenteritis.Methods:Four enteric bacterial isolates-Klebsiella pneumoniae,Salmonella typhi,Escherichia coli,and Proteus mirabilis-were obtained from the Medical Laboratory Unit at Babcock University Teaching Hospital in Ilishan-Remo,Ogun State.Phytochemical screening and antibacterial testing were conducted using standard biochemical techniques and the Punch-hole agar diffusion method,respectively.Results:Qualitative phytochemical screening of the plant extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids,glycosides,and saponin in both plants,excluding terpenoids.Alkaloids were identified only in Vernonia amygdalina.Despite these phytochemicals,neither plant displayed inhibitory effects on the tested bacterial isolates(Escherichia coli,Proteus mirabilis,Klebsiella pneumoniae,and Salmonella typhi)when tested individually or in combination.Intriguingly,combining the fresh and dried leaf extracts of Momordica charantia and Vernonia amygdalina with a standard drug resulted in smaller mean zone diameters of inhibition(Escherichia coli range:14 mm–16 mm,Proteus mirabilis range:31 mm–35 mm,Klebsiella pneumoniae range:13 mm–22 mm,and Salmonella typhi range:35 mm–38 mm)compared to the drug tested alone(16 mm–45 mm).Conclusion:Despite previous indications of antibacterial properties in various extracts of V.amygdalina and M.charantia leaves,our study presents contradictory results,prompting the need for further investigation despite the presence of significant phytochemicals.

Antifeedant Activity and Active Ingredients Against Plutella xylostella from Momordica charantia Leaves

With the bioguided fractionation of the ethanol extracts from the leaves of Momordica charantia, we obtained two most active compounds against the feeding of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella larvae. The antifeedant activity of momordicine Ⅰ and momordicine Ⅱ against the second and the third instar larvae of Plutella xylostella were tested using leaf discs of cabbage in the laboratory. The results showed that momordicin Ⅰ and momordicin Ⅱ had significant antifeedant activity on the larvae of P. xylostella, and momordicin Ⅱ was more active than momordicin Ⅰ. The concentrations for 50% antifeedant effects （AFC50） of momordicin Ⅱ against the second and the third instar larvae of P. xylostella were 76.69 and 116.24μg mL^-1, whereas that of momordicin I was 144.08 and 168.42μg mL^-1, respectively. In addition, momordicin Ⅰ and momordicin Ⅱ had significant inhibitive effect on the rate of weight gain and survival of P. xylostella larvae.

Comparative study between the effect of <i>Momordica charantia</i>(wild and hybrid variety) on hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of alloxan induced type 2 diabetic long-evans rats

This study was undertaken to evaluate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect of Momordica charantia (wild and hybrid variety) powder on alloxan induced type 2 diabetic male Long-Evans rats. Oral feeding of the M. charantia powder slightly decreased serum total cholesterol, triglyceride levels and LDL-cholesterol compared with wild, hybrid and standard drug. M. charantia wild variety showed more significant (p M. charantia did not show any significant effect on HDL-cholesterol and liver glycogen. Thus, results of the study prove that the wild variety of M. charantia fruit have potent antidiabetic and antilipidemic property.

Impact of Extraction on Biochemical Properties and Antioxidant Potential of Momordica charantia L. Seeds’ Oil

In this study, the influence of provenance and extraction methods on the physicochemical properties and the antioxidant potential of M. charantia seeds oil were evaluated. The oil is obtained on the one hand by cold extraction with hexane and on the other hand by hot extraction with soxhlet. The results obtained show that the extraction yield is significantly impacted by the extraction methods and the origin of the seeds. In addition, the soxhlet extraction gives a higher oil yield (32.07 ± 0.01). Cold extraction has made it possible to obtain oils with less attenuated physicochemical characteristics. Indeed, the acid numbers are high in the oils extracted by soxhlet (5.92 ± 0.25;4.25 ± 0.62 and 13.86 ± 0.83) than in those cold extracted with very low peroxide for all the oils obtained. On the other hand, the iodine and refractive indices are high in oils obtained cold (91.58 ± 0.85;100.74 ± 0.03 and 102.08 ± 0.28) (1.53 ± 0.01;1.52 ± 0.01 and 1.52 ± 0.01) with low saponification indices. The polyphenol concentrations and the anti-free radical activity are higher with the oils obtained cold (0.086 ± 0.001;0.08 ± 0.000 and 0.09 ± 0.01 mgEAG/g of oil) and (DPPH) (55.75% ± 1.16%;55.03% ± 0.72% and 56.35% ± 0.45%). The color parameters (L*, a* and b*) of the different oils extracted also vary depending on the extraction method used. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and correlation analysis were performed on the physicochemical properties and the antioxidant potential of the extracted oils. Therefore, the results suggest cold extraction to obtain a good quality and oxidation resistant oil.

Biosorptive Removal of Lead Ions from Aqeuous Stream by Using Leaves, Stems and Roots of Momordica charantia Biomass

Water pollution is one of the most important issues of the 21st century. It takes place when the pollutants are being entered into a water reservoir without any treatment. Heavy metals are one of the major harmful pollutants that exist in the water;therefore, it is necessary to remove these toxic metals to keep our environment safe. Biosorption is an ecofriendly and economical technique for the elimination of these toxic metals from polluted water. In this research work roots, stems, and leaves of Momordica charantia (Bitter gourd) were used as biosorbent for the elimination of Pb (II) ions from aqueous solution. Many different parameters such as metal ion solution pH, biomass dosage, initial metal ions concentration and contact time were optimized in the batch experiments. The calculated results revealed that biosorption of Pb (II) was maximum at solution pH 5, biosorbent dosage of 0.1 g and 100 ppm of initial metal ions concentration within 240 minutes of contact time. M. charantia’s leaves showed the highest level of lead biosorption capacity (47.62%), followed by stems (42.36%) and roots (38.47%). The Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetics model fitted well for the analytical data. The results indicated that Momordica charantia is an effective biosorbent for Pb (II) ions elimination from wastewater.

Analysis of <i>Momordica charantia</i>Polysaccharide Components and Their Effects on KA-Induced Oxidative Stress and Neuronal Loss in the Hippocampus of Epileptic Rats

Polysaccharides of Momordica charantia have been reported to be the primary bioactive components that confer its antioxidant activity. To some degree, antioxidants may provide beneficial effects on neuronal damage induced by seizures. However, the protective effects of Momordica charantia polysaccharides (MCPs) on seizures remain unclear. In this study, our purpose was to investigate the effects of MCPs on oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in an experimental Kainic acid (KA)-induced rat seizure model. MCPs treatments decreased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the hippocampus of the KA-induced animal model. Moreover, MCPs significantly attenuated KA-induced neuronal loss in the CA1 and CA3 hippocampal regions. Based on these results, MCPs exert neuroprotective effects by attenuating KA-induced neuronal damage in the brain through their free radical scavenging activities.

苦瓜(Momordica CharantiaL.)MADS-box基因BAG启动子的克隆分析及表达载体的构建

作者提取苦瓜基因组总DNA,构建了DNA步移文库,并根据已克隆并公布的苦瓜MADS box基因BAG的基因序列设计引物,通过染色体步移技术克隆出BAG基因起始密码子上游调控序列BAGP.对BAGP的鉴定和分析表明其具备大多数高等植物启动子的保守元件,预测它对BAG基因的表达具有一定的作用.为鉴定BAG基因的基本启动子元件,将基因5′侧翼序列做缺失片段分析,利用PCR方法从BAGP中得到3个大小不等两端带有HindⅢ,BamHⅠ酶切位点的片段BAGP1,BAGP2和BAGP3,定向插入载体pMGFP4(pBI221改建,报告基因为GFP)中,取代原有的CaMV35S启动子,构建了由驱动报告基因GFP的植物表达载体BAGPV1,BAGPV2和BAGPV3.

Identification of a soluble phosphatidate phosphohydrolase in the developing cotyledons of <i>Momordica</i><i>charantia</i>

Phosphatidate phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.4), PAP, catalyzes the dephosphorylation of phosphatidate (PtdOH) to form diacylglycerol. In eukaryotes, PAP driven reaction is the committed step in the synthesis of triacylglycerol. A Mg2+ independent PAP activity was identified in the soluble extract of Momordica charantia cotyledons undergoing maturation. While the microsomal fraction of the extract gave only 10% of the PAP activity, the remaining 90% of the activity was associated with the soluble fraction. At pH 3.0, the soluble PAP was bound to S column and eluted with glycine-HCl buffer containing high salt. The pH and temperature optima of the PAP activity were 6.0 and 53℃, respectively. Under optimum assay condition, the Vmax and Km for dioleoyl phosphatidic acid were 1.89 ηkat/mg of protein and 142 μM, respectively. For the synthetic substrate, ρ-nitrophenylphosphate, ρ- NPP, the Vmax and Km were 10.4 ηkat/mg of protein and 107 μM, respectively. The inclusion of Mg2+ and β-mercaptoethanol into the reaction mix did not change the enzyme activity nor did the addition of N-ethylmaleimide and phenylglyoxal, which indicates that cysteine and arginine are not involved in catalysis of PtdOH. The addition of Mg2+ up to 10 mM also did not change the level of PAP activity. Triton X-100, however, inhibited the activity. This is the first documented case of an in vitro PAP activity in the developing cotyledons of Momordica charantia. The PAP described here could serve as a model for lipin-1 or lipin-2 in humans. Mutations in these genes lead to acute myoglobinuria in human infants.

Attenuation of experimentally induced diabetic neuropathy in association with reduced oxidative-nitrosative stress by chronic administration of <i>Momordica charantia</i>

Momordica Charantia (MC) is one of the most famous traditional plant worldwide, used for the treatment of diabetes and its complications. In the present study possible protective effect of MC in Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic neuropathy in mice was evaluated. STZ induced diabetic mice were orally administered MC at various doses (200 - 800 mg/kg) for six weeks. Diabetes induced neuropathic pain was assessed by hot plate test, formalin test and tail flick test at the beginning and end of the study. Serum TBARS, NO and SOD levels were estimated at the end of the study as the markers of oxidative-nitrosative stress. Rotarod test was employed to assess the effect of treatment on motor coordination. The results showed that STZ induced diabetes significantly decreased the pain threshold as was indicated by increased flinching in formalin test and decreased withdrawal latency in hot plate and tail flick tests. Oxidative-nitrosative stress was significantly increased in diabetic animals. Chronic administration of MC significantly attenuated diabetes induced increase in flinches and decrease in withdrawal latency without impacting sensory and motor functions. MC administration also exhibited dose dependant reduction of hyperglycemia and serum TBARS, NO and SOD levels in diabetic mice. The results suggest that long term use of MC protects against diabetes induced neuropathy in association with attenuation of hyperglycemia and oxidative-nitrosative stress.

Clinicopathological Study on the Effects of <i>Momordica charantia</i>on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

Momordica charantia (MC) a traditional medicine used for the treatment of many disorders was fed to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male Wistar rats at 2, 5 and 10% of the standard diet. Rats were then observed for 12 weeks before sacrificed. Immediately, tissues from liver, kidney and pancreas were taken for histopathological examination. Serum samples were analyzed to evaluate liver, kidney and pancreatic functions. In addition, blood samples were collected to analyze hematology parameters. The results of the present study indicate that oral doses of MC at 5% and 10% of the daily diet resulted in alleviation of the pancreatic, hepatic and renal dysfunction induced by diabetes. The improved pancreatic, hepatic and renal functions were judged by histopathological, hematological and serobiochemical parameters. In conclusion, the MC fruits may be used as an antidiabetic herbal medicine.

Phylogenetic analysis of Endophytes from Bitter Melon (<i>Momordica charantia</i>) in Guangdong Province

This study aims to isolate and identify taxonomic characterization of endophytic fungi from bitter melon in Guangdong province, China. A total of 1172 endophytic fungi are isolated from roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits of healthy plants, and they are classified to 49 taxa based on morphological and molecular features. The results show that endophytic fungi from bitter melon plants exhibit high biodiversity. Arthrinium aureum, A. marii, A. sphaerospermum, Corynascus verrucosus, Curvularia borreriae and C. protuberate have not been recorded in any plants in China. Basidiomycetous endophytes, such as Ceratobasidium sp., and C. cornigerum, are reported in this study for the first time in bitter melon. According to the results of phylogenetic analysis, the rDNA ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) sequences can successfully separate species, such as F. solani, F. kyushuense, C. verrucosus, C. globosum, E. rostratum, C. brachyspora, C. verruculosus, C. affinis, P. bougainvilleicola, P. longicolla, P. glabrae, P. verruculosum, P. oxalicum, P. citrinum, P. chermesinum, P. glomerata, A. fumigatus and A. japonicas. Some isolates belonging to A. alternata, C. gloeosporioides, C. cladosporioides, C. brasiliense, C. convolutum, F. proliferatum, F. oxysporum, F. verticillioides, F. equiseti, F. camptoceras and Xylaria, however, require the analysis of others molecular markers to provide better taxonomic resolution. Molecular analyses of rDNA ITS sequences are useful for identification and classification of endophytes of bitter melon, but it is desirable to consider an integrated approach, such as molecular phylogeny, host, colony growth rate, symptoms, and shape of conidia.

The Effect of <i>Momordica charantia</i>on Ovarian Ischemia-Reperfusion

Ovarian torsion is one of the gynecological emergencies that affect ovarian tissue integrity and fertility. In this study, we aim to investigate the effects of Momordica charantia (MC) on ovarian tissue injury induced by ovarian ischemia-reperfusion. Twenty-four rats were assigned to three groups: control group, ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) group and IR + MC group. 600 mg/kg MC extract were given rats via orogastric route. 3-hour ischemia and 3-hour reperfusion were performed for IR protocol. At the end of experiment, ovarian tissues were excised, fixed in zinc-formalin and processed for routine paraffin wax tissue embedding. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Ovarian sections of control group showed regular histological appearance. In ovarian sections of I/R group, hemorrhage, fibrin accumulation, mononuclear cell infiltration and degenerated follicles were observed. I/R + MC group showed improved histopathology caused by I/R injury. We think that MC extract may protect ovarian tissue integrity and its histological structures.

Effects of Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Red and Blue Light on the Growth and Photosynthetic Characteristics of <i>Momordica charantia</i>L.

With andromonoecious Momordica charantia L. (bitter gourd) as material, three light qualities (50 μmol·m-2·s-1) including white LED light (WL), blue monochromatic light (B, 465 nm), and red monochromatic light (R, 650 nm) were carried out to investigate their effects on seed germination, physiological and biochemical parameters, sex differentiation and photosynthetic characteristics of bitter gourd. The results showed that compared to the WL treatment, the R treatment significantly promoted seed germination, seedling height elongation and soluble sugar content, the B treatment significantly increased seedling stem diameter, reducing sugar content and soluble protein content, the R and B treatments both significantly reduced sucrose content, but their POD activity showed no significant difference. Compared with the R treatment, the B treatment significantly increased the total female flower number and female flower nod ratio in 30 nods of main stems. The study of photosynthetic characteristics found that the R and B treatments could effectively increase the stomatal conductance (GS) of leaves, significantly improved the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) compared to the WL treatment, and the effect of the B treatment was better. Compared to the R and WL treatments, the B treatment increased the maximum photosynthetic rate (Pmax), apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) and light saturation point (LSP), and reduced the dark respiration rate (Rd) and light compensation point (LCP) of the leaves. Fit light response curves showed that the adaptability and utilization of weak light in bitter gourd were middle or below, but it showed higher adaptability and utilization of strong light. Thus, it suggests that Momordica charantia is a typical sun plan with lower Rd. In summary, it is concluded that blue light has a positive effect on the seed germination, seedling growth, sex differentiation and improving the photosynthetic performance, and this will lay the foundation for artificially regulating optimum photosynthesis using specific LEDs wavelength, and help to elucidate the relationship how light quality influences the sex differentiation of plant.