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Published on: October 11, 2013

HIV inhibitor from Thai bitter gourd

W Jiratchariyakul1, C Wiwat, M Vongsakul

  • 1Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Sri Ayudhya Road, Bangkok, Thailand. pywju@mahidol.ac.th

Planta Medica
|July 19, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Thai bitter gourd protein (MRK29) shows potential against HIV-1. This protein inhibits viral reverse transcriptase and reduces p24 expression, suggesting therapeutic possibilities for HIV treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter gourd, is traditionally used in folk medicine.
  • Research into plant-derived compounds for therapeutic applications is ongoing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize a novel protein from Thai bitter gourd with potential antiviral properties.
  • To investigate the protein's inhibitory effects on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Main Methods:

  • Protein isolation using ammonium sulfate fractionation and gel filtration chromatography.
  • Characterization via isoelectric focusing and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS).
  • Assessment of inhibitory activity against HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and p24 expression.

Main Results:

  • A protein, designated MRK29, was purified with a molecular weight of 28.6 kD and pI > or = 9.
  • MRK29 demonstrated 50% inhibition of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase at 18 µg/ml.
  • A concentration of 0.175 µg/ml of MRK29 reduced HIV p24 expression by 82% and increased TNF activity threefold.

Conclusions:

  • Thai bitter gourd protein MRK29 exhibits significant antiviral activity against HIV-1.
  • MRK29 may modulate immune cells, as indicated by increased TNF activity.
  • Further research into MRK29 as a potential therapeutic agent for HIV is warranted.

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