Phytochemistry and medicinal benefits of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

Momordica charantia L. (bitter gourd) is a plant of family Cucurbitaceae. Its unripe fruits have bitter taste that becomes pronounced as the fruit ripens. The fruit has many biologically active phytochemicals including triterpenes, proteins and steroids. Its medicinal profile includes antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-malarial, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, dyslipidemic, hypocholesterolemic and wound healing potential. The seeds, fruits, leaves and roots of the plant have been used in traditional medicine for microbial infections, sluggish digestion and intestinal gas, menstrual stimulation, fever reduction, hypertension and potentially as a cytotoxic agent for certain cancers. The in vitro studies have confirmed that the bitter gourd has broad-spectrum anti-microbial activity and inhibitory effect against HIV. The in vivo studies have also demonstrateda relatively low toxicity of all parts when ingested orally. It has been in use by people as a vegetable and folk medicine since time immemorial.