Cucurbitane-Type Triterpene Glycosides from Momordica charantia and Their α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities

Momordica charantia Bioactive Components: Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Benefits Through Gut Health Modulation

Momordica charantia (MC), a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, is well known for its pharmacological activities that exhibit hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. These properties are largely because of its abundant bioactive compounds and phytochemicals. Over the years, numerous studies have confirmed the regulatory effects of MC extract on glycolipid metabolism. However, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews on newly discovered MC-related components, such as insulin receptor-binding protein-19, adMc1, and MC protein-30 and triterpenoids 3β,7β,25-trihydroxycucurbita-5,23(E)-dien-19-al, and the role of MC in gut microbiota and bitter taste receptors. This review offers an up-to-date overview of the recently reported chemical compositions of MC, including polysaccharides, saponins, polyphenolics, peptides, and their beneficial effects. It also provides the latest updates on the role of MC in the regulation of gut microbiota and bitter taste receptor signaling pathways. As a result, this review will serve as a theoretical basis for potential applications in the creation or modification of MC-based nutrient supplements.

New insights into the bioactive polysaccharides, proteins, and triterpenoids isolated from bitter melon (Momordica charantia) and their relevance for nutraceutical and food application: A review

The recent trend in infectious diseases and chronic disorders has dramatically increased consumers' interest in functional foods. As a result, the research of bioactive ingredients with potential for nutraceutical and food application has rapidly become a topic of interest. In this optic, the plant Momordica charantia (M. charantia) has recently attracted the most attention owing to its numerous biological properties including anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancers among others. However, the current literature on M. charantia has mainly been concerned with the plant extract while little is known on the specific bioactive compounds responsible for the plant's health benefits. Hence, the present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent research progress on bioactives isolated from M. charantia, focusing on polysaccharides, proteins, and triterpenoids. Thus, this review provides an up-to-date account of the different extraction methods used to isolate M. charantia bioactives. In addition, the structural features and biological properties are presented. Moreover, this review discusses the current and promising applications of M. charantia bioactives with relevance to the nutraceutical and food industries. The information provided in this review will serve as a theoretical basis and practical support for the formulation of products enriched with M. charantia bioactives.

Charantoside L, A New Cucurbitane-Type Glycoside from Momordica charantia L. with α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities

A new cucurbitane-type glycoside (1) and two known compounds (2-3) were isolated from the ethanol extract of the fruits of Momordica charantia L. Their chemical structures were determined as (19 S,23 E)-5 β­,19-epoxy-19-methoxycucurbita-6,23-diene-3 β,25-diol 3 -O-β-D-allopyranoside (1), goyaglycoside d (2), and (19 S,23 E)-5 β,19-epoxy-19-methoxycucurbita-6,23-diene-3 β,25-diol (3) on the basis of the extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D, 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and in comparison with the reported data. Compounds 1 to 3 were evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibitory effects. Compounds 1 and 2 showed anti α-glucosidase activity with IC50 values of 134.12 ± 11.20 and 163.17 ± 13.71 µM, respectively, compared with the positive control, acarbose, IC50 160.99 ± 14.30 μM. Compounds 2 and 3 were first isolated from plant M. charantia growing in Vietnam.