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Antimutagens from Momordica charantia
A P Guevara1, C Lim-Sylianco, F Dayrit
1Institute of Chemistry, University of the Philippines, Quezon City.
Mutation Research
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Green Momordica charantia fruit contains novel acylglucosylsterols with significant antimutagenic properties. These compounds, isolated from fruit extracts, protected against the mutagenic effects of mitomycin C in mice.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Momordica charantia (bitter melon) is traditionally used for medicinal purposes.
- Its green fruits possess an antimutagenic principle that warrants scientific investigation.
- Understanding the chemical constituents responsible for this activity is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify the antimutagenic compounds from Momordica charantia green fruits.
- To evaluate the efficacy of these compounds against a known mutagen.
- To explore the structure-activity relationship of the identified compounds.
Main Methods:
- Extraction of bioactive compounds using ethanol, petroleum ether, and carbon tetrachloride.
- Isolation of novel acylglucosylsterols via sequential flash column chromatography.
- Antimutagenicity assessment using the micronucleus test in mice challenged with mitomycin C.
Main Results:
- An intractable mixture of novel acylglucosylsterols was identified as the antimutagenic principle.
- The major component is 3-O-[6'-O-palmitoyl-beta-D-glucosyl-stigmasta-5,25(27)-dien, with a stearyl derivative as a minor component.
- The extract significantly reduced (approx. 80%) mitomycin C-induced micronucleated erythrocytes at dosages of 50-12.5 µg/g.
Conclusions:
- Acylglucosylsterols from Momordica charantia exhibit potent antimutagenic activity.
- The lipid-like structure of these compounds is suggested to be responsible for their protective effect.
- Potential mechanism involves disruption of mitomycin C's cellular activity via plasma membrane interaction.