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.

Evaluation of Acute and Sub-Acute Oral Toxicities of Momordica foetida Schumach. (Cucurbitaceae) Leaves Methanol Extract in Wistar Rats

Momordica foetida is a plant widely used in tropical Africa to manage gastroenteric diseases. Previous studies demonstrated interesting antibacterial activity against human pathogenic bacteria. However, the security or toxicity of methanol leaf extract has not been determined yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute and sub-acute toxicity of the leaf extract of Momordica foetida. In the acute toxicity study, a single oral dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight was administered to rats which were observed for 14 days in order to identify signs of toxicity or death. In the sub-acute toxicity, the animals were treated with 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg of the extract for 28 consecutive days. Body weights and behavior were noted throughout the experiment. Upon treatment, blood and urine were collected for hematological and biochemical analysis. Liver, lungs, heart, kidneys, testes and ovaries were analyzed for relative weights and histopathology. The acute toxicity study of M. foetida leaf extract revealed no signs of toxicity related to the treatment, indicating that the median-lethal-dose (LD50) value is greater than 5000 mg/Kg of body weight. In the sub-acute toxicity assay, the extract did not affect the general behavior of animals, meanwhile, it led to a significant increase in the levels of red blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, granulocytes and Mid-Cells (MIDs). Biochemical parameters showed an increase in total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, serum urea, serum and urinary glucose and a decrease in urinary proteins, serum creatinine, urinary urea levels, serum activities of AST, ALT and proteins levels, as well as increases in lung, spleen and ovaries relative weight were noticed, all compared to control animals. Histological analysis revealed a normal architecture of kidneys, liver, heart, lung, ovaries and testes. This study provides valuable data on the safety of per os administration of Momordica foetida leaf methanol extract that could be very useful for future assays.

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.

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.

Food prospects and nutraceutical attributes of Momordica species:A potential tropical bioresources–A review

Plants with potential therapeutic values have been used from time immemorial to cure various ailments and infectious diseases.Of late,scientific evidences have been provided on the potential therapeutic agent exhibited by certain traditionally used vegetable extracts.The importance of wild edible plants may be traced to antiquity but systemic studies are recent.All the Momordica species have been consumed as vegetable and traditionally used for various disorders.The whole plant parts are ascribed to possess the anti-diabetic effect in traditional medicinal system.The active constituents of Momordica plant parts were cucurbitane type triterpenoids,phenolics,glycosides,and several kinds of peptides including Momordica anti-HIV protein(MAP 30).Recent reports revealed the presence of several kinds of cucurbitane type triterpenoids in leaf,stem and fruits of Momordica species having several pharmacological activities.There is lack of scientific information available on the wild species which also having several bioactive components with potential activities.So the present review compares and highlights the current knowledge of the nutritional value,phytochemistry and physiological effects of wild species with known variety.

Comparisons between Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidation of Momordica charantia L. in Different Varieties

[Objective] The aim was to compare contents of free and bound polyphenol and antioxidation of balsam pear in different varieties. [Method] Fourteen varieties of balsam pear were chosen to analyze total contents of free or bound phenol and components of free phenol. FRAP （Freeic reducing/antioxidant power）, DPPH （1,1diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazy）, and ABTS ＋· （2, 2’-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid diammonium salt） were used to measure antioxidation and analyze relationship between polyphenol content and antioxidation. [Result] Among the fourteen varieties of balsam pear, free, bound and total phenols were 157.58 -382.92, 6.46 -54 and 175.27 -413.79 mg GAE/100 g DW; coefficients of variance were 23.50% , 61.04% and 21.58%, respectively; free phenol accounted for 91.34% of total phenol and bound phenol accounted for 8.66% ; contents of total flavone for the fourteen varieties were from 8.97 to 18.22 mg CE/100 g DW and the coefficient was at 22.80%; vanillic aldehyde acid, epicatechin and rutin differed in contents among different varieties, which changed in 1.83-9.29, 35.17-114.52 and 0.91-4.53 mg/100 g DW and the coefficients were 43.85%, 26.97% and 33.09%; FRAP antioxidation was at 272.16 -713.32 mg TE/100 g DW and coefficient at 27.67% ; IC 50 of DPPH and ABTS ＋· clearance were 11.43-34.14 and 21.57-119.71 mg GAE/100 g DW and coefficients were at 35.10% and 63.75% , accordingly; content of total phenol was of extremely positive correlation with FRAP （P0.01） and of extremely negative correlation with IC 50 of DPPH and ABTS ＋ · clearance （P0.01）. [Conclusion] Contents of phenolic compounds and antioxidation are of significant genotype differences; and phenolic substance and antioxidation are mainly in free form and phenolic substance is the major basis for antioxidation.

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。

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.

Improvement of the efficacy of influenza vaccination (H5N1) in chicken by using extract of Cochinchina momordica seed (ECMS)

Seeds of a Chinese traditional medicine plant, Cochinchina momordica were used in the present study for the improvement of influenza vaccine （HSN 1） in chicken. Crude extraction from Cochinchina momordica seed （ECMS） was obtained by ethanol extraction method. In experiment No. 1, two weeks old chickens were immunized with influenza vaccine （HSN1） alone or combined with ECMS （5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 μg/dose）. Serum IgG antibody levels （by ELISA） as well as effects on dally weight gain were measured on 0, 7, 14 and 28th day after immunization. Results revealed that all ECMS groups numerically increased the antibody levels while 10 and 20 μg/dose groups significantly （P〈0.05） enhanced total IgG antibody on day 28, when compared with control. Average daily weight gain was also significantly higher in 20 μg/dose ECMS group. Adjuvant effect was also confirmed in experiment No. 2 when chickens were immunized with 20 μg/dose ECMS and antibody titer was measured through hemagglutination inhibition （HI）. It is concluded that ECMS has potential to improve the immune responses and deserve further study as an adjuvant.

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.

A new cucurbitane triterpenoid from Momordica charantia

One new cucurbitane-type triterpenoid saponin, 5β,19-epoxycucurbita-6,23-diene-3β,19,25-triol-3-O-β-D-allopyranoside （1）,named momordicoside P was isolated from the fresh fruits ofMomordica charantia. The structure of the saponin was elucidated by spectral methods, including 2D-NMR spectra.

A comparative study on antioxidant potentials,inhibitory activities against key enzymes related to metabolic syndrome,and anti-inflammatory activity of leaf extract from different Momordica species

Momordica species are vegetable crops widely distributed in warmer regions of the world.In this work,we describe the antioxidant,enzyme inhibitory and anti-inflammatory effects of the leaves from three different species of Momordica.The present investigation was initially carried out to explore the possible link between antioxidant,enzyme inhibitory property of Momordica leaf extract and their total phenolic and flavonoid contents.The anti-inflammatory activity was tested by using carrageenan-induced paw edema.Our results illustrated an enhanced antioxidant power of wild species comparable with a commercial variety.In addition,the leaf extract of M.dioica(200 mg/kg)presented a significant anti-inflammatory activity toward carrageenan-induced paw edema in Wistar rats in comparison to indomethacin(10 mg/kg).The contents of flavonoids and total phenolic compounds could be correlated with the antioxidant and enzymes inhibition activities.The major bioactive compounds of phenolic acids and flavonoids such as gallic acid,chlorogenic acid,caffeic acid,ferulic acid,ellagic acid,catechin,rutin,and quercetin were identified.Our findings suggest that wild Momordica species contains higher potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities than a commercial variety does,which could be tested as drug candidates against oxidative and inflammation-related pathological processes.©2014 Beijing Academy of Food Sciences.Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.All rights reserved.

Antioxidant compounds and capacities of Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng) fruits

Objective: To identify and determine the composition of antioxidant compounds, and to evaluate the antioxidant abilities of Gac fruit parts(peel, pulp, seed and aril) grown in Malaysia. Methods: LC-MS/MS was used for identification of antioxidant compounds and UV-Vis for estimation of the contents of phenolics, flavonoids, and carotenoids. Lycopene and β-carotene were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. DPPH(2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays were employed to evaluate antioxidant capacities. Results: Phytochemicals were found amongst all the fruit parts. Notably, significant amounts of carotenoids [(107.4 ± 4.5),(85.7 ± 4.4),(110.6 ± 2.1) mg/100 g dry weight(DW)], and relatively high levels of both phenolics [(27.3 ± 1.7),(28.9 ± 2.4),(30.8 ± 2.7) mg/100 g DW] and flavonoids [(38.1 ± 2.2),(8.8 ± 1.3),(24.5 ± 3.3) mg/100 g DW] were found in the fruit's peel, pulp and aril, respectively. Seed part also showed a relatively high level of flavonoids [(18.1 ± 2.3) mg/100 g DW]. Lycopene and β-carotene were found to be significantly high(P < 0.05) in aril [(579.3 ± 22.7) and(621.0 ± 35.0) μg/g DW], followed by peel [(51.0 ± 7.5) and(210.0 ± 12.5) μg/g DW] and pulp [(37.6 ± 10.9) and(205.6 ± 22.1) μg/g DW)]. Antioxidant assays revealed that aril possessed the highest scavenging activity(IC_(50) = 865 μg/mL), while the peel possessed the highest ferric reducing power of 140 μmol FeSO4/μg. Conclusions: The current results demonstrate that Gac fruit grown in Malaysia is a rich source of phytochemicals, especially carotenoids, and possesses antioxidant activities. Thus, such findings suggest Gac fruit as a source of an antioxidant plant.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Morphological Characteristics of Floral Organ at Different Microspore Developmental Stage in Balsam Pear （Momordica Charantia L.）

The relationship between microspore developmental stages and morphological characteristics of floral organ in balsam pear was studied. The results showed that flower buds developed a series of morphological changes at different microspore developmental stages, and morphological characteristics of floral organ were significantly different when sampling from different part or cultivar of balsam pear. Anther at late-uninucleate stage was best for culture, in which stage flower buds swelled obviously, and white floss on the surface reduced. In addition, calyxes were obvious but did not spread, and the most of anthers were light green.

Callus and Adventitious Buds Formation from Stem Explants of Balsam Pear （Momordica charantia L.）

The effects of sterilization pretreatment, sampling time and growth regulators on callus formation, explant contamination and adventitious bud induction from stems of balsam pear （Momordica charantia L.） were investigated. Sterilized for 6 rain with 0.1% （w/v） mercuric chloride solution is an essential sterilization method for stems. June and July proved to be better for material taking, followed by May. The callus formation rate of balsam pears reached the highest when medium added with IBA 1.0mg/L and BA 2.0 mg/L, while the optimum medium for adventitious bud induction was MS added with IBA 0.5mg/L and BA 4.0 mg/L. And it will provide theoretical and technical basis for rapid propagation and breeding.

Effects of Seed Pretreatment on Germination, Growth and Yield of <i>Momordica charantia</i>L.

Momordica charantia is a plant species widely used in food and traditional medicine. However, the germination techniques and the performances of M. charantia are poorly understood by the populations. This study aims to better understand the germination, growth and development characteristics, and yield of M. charantia. Three pretreatments of the seeds are used for the shortening of the pre-germination period: soaking the seeds in tap water for 24 hours (batch 2), in hot water at 80˚C (batch 3), for 24 hours and in the boiling water at 100˚C for 24 hours (batch 4). A control without soaking (batch 1) was also carried out. The seeds were sown in plastic boxes in the laboratory with sterile sand and directly in the nursery in polyethylene sleeves. The influence of the light factor (light and dark) and watering frequency (every day and every two days) on the growth and yield parameters was evaluated respectively in the laboratory and in the nursery. Germination, growth and yield parameters were determined. The results show that the light and frequency of watering factors have no influence (p > 0.05) on the rate and duration of seed germination unlike pretreatments. Thus, Batch1 and 2 exhibit significantly higher germination rates (70% ± 16%) than Lots 3 and 4 (21% ± 15%) in the laboratory and in the nursery. On the other hand in terms of germination time, batch 3 and 4 displayed shorter durations (14 days) than those batch1 and 2 (23 days). Growth parameters and yield (fruit and seeds) are strongly influenced by watering frequency, unlike pretreatments which only affect yield. Growth and yield parameters are significantly higher with daily watering than daily watering. Ultimately, this study showed that pretreatments have an influence on the duration and rate of germination as well as the frequency of watering on the performance of M. charantia.