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Bitter melon: a panacea for inflammation and cancer
Prasad R Dandawate1, Dharmalingam Subramaniam2, Subhash B Padhye3
1Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; Department of Surgery, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines
|March 13, 2016
Summary
Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) exhibits significant anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. This review highlights its bioactive compounds and potential for developing novel therapeutic agents.
Area of Science:
- Ethnobotany
- Phytochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Momordica charantia (bitter melon) is a globally cultivated plant used in traditional medicine.
- All plant parts are consumed as a vegetable and for their folk medicinal properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities of Momordica charantia.
- To summarize key bioactive chemical constituents and their therapeutic potential.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific studies on Momordica charantia.
- Analysis of reported biological activities and isolated compounds.
Main Results:
- Momordica charantia demonstrates potent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects.
- Plant extracts inhibit cancer cell growth via apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.
- Rich source of bioactive compounds including triterpenoids, flavonoids, and proteins.
Conclusions:
- Momordica charantia possesses significant therapeutic potential.
- Its bioactive constituents provide a basis for developing new drug molecules.
- Further research can establish detailed biological activities for drug development.
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