European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROFILE OF MOMORDICA CHARANTIA: A REVIEW

Dr. Seema Tomar*, Kamalpreet Kaur and Jobanpreet Kaur

ABSTRACT

Momordica charantia herb belongs to a Cucurbitaceae family that is also known as bitter melon, karela, and pare. It may be found in tropical and subtropical areas all over the world. It has a long history of usage as both food and medicinal. Momordica charantia has been used to treat a variety of ailments from ancient times to the present. M. charantia has been shown to exhibit antihyperglycemic, antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, immunomodulation, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anthelmintic, antimutagenic, antiulcer, antilipolytic, antifertility, hepatoprotective, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. Proteins, polysaccharides, flavonoids, triterpenes, saponins, ascorbic acid, and steroids are among the phytochemicals found in this plant. Bitter melon generates p-insulin, a molecule that has a molecular structure similar to insulin. It also contains steroidal saponins like charantin, which help to control blood sugar levels. To completely treat piles, momordica charantia leaf juice was utilized. Momordica charantia is utilized as a blood purifier due to its bitter tonic properties. In this review, a description of the plant Momordica charantia, its chemical constituents as well as its pharmacological activities will be highlighted.

Keywords: Momordica charantia, phytochemicals, charantin, p-insulin.