Medicinal and nutritional importance of bitter melon ( Momordica charantia L): A review article

Abstract

Momordica charantia (bitter gourd; family Cucurbitaceae) is an important medicinal vegetable crop, mostly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, tropical Africa, Middle East and America. Bitter melon has been used as a folk remedy for tumors, asthma, skin infections and hypertension. The plant has been used as a traditional medicine in China, India, Africa, and the south-eastern US. It has a non-nitrogenous neutral principle charantin, and on hydrolysis gives glucose and a sterol. The fruit pulp has soluble pectin but no free pectic acid. Galacturonic acid is also obtained from the flesh. Bitter gourd is rich in nutrients like thiamine, beta-carotene, folate, riboflavin, and minerals like calcium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, potassium, magnesium, zinc and dietary fiber. Regular use of bitter gourd juice boosts body stamina and prevents chronic fatigue. The beta-carotene content in bitter gourd helps in controlling eye disorders and enhances eyesight. Bitter melon has Anti-Tumor, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-oxidant, Ant diabetic, Hypo-lipidemic and Hypo-glycaemic properties.