Bitter melon extracts and cucurbitane-type triterpenoid glycosides antagonize lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation via suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome

A comprehensive LCMS/MS characterization for the green extracted cucurbitane-triterpenoid glycosides from bitter melon (Momordica charantia) fruit

A first-time green extraction and LCMSMS analysis for karavilosides (KVs) VIII, X, and XI in different parts (skin, pith, and seed) of the fresh and dried fruit of bitter melon (BM) is reported herein. Ultrasonication for green extraction whereas, LCMS/MS for KVs quantification were used. More extract yield (675.80 ± 163.57 mg/g) was observed for the dried fruit parts compared to the fresh BM-fruit parts (513.20 ± 75.42 mg/g). The fresh skin (343.40 ± 54.07 mg/4g) and dried seeds (311.80 and 77.95 ± 38.98) exhibited more yield whereas, the solvent yield (mg/4mg) observed was; H2O (651.70) > EtOH (227.20) > EtAC (163.30) > ACT (146.80). The LCMS/MS yield for the KVs revealed a descending order; KVXI (2376.44 ppb) > KVX (639.17 ppb) > KVVIII (599.83 ppb). More correlation was seen for the solvent Vs extract yield whereas, the KVs revealed more correlation for the BM-fruit part (P = 0.05). The study comprehensively characterized the parts of fresh and dried BM-fruits in terms of extract yield and KVs amount.

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 anti-diabetes effects and molecular mechanisms of dietary saponins

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a long-term metabolic disorder that manifests as chronic hyperglycemia and impaired insulin, bringing a heavy load on the global health care system. Considering the inevitable side effects of conventional anti-diabetic drugs, saponins-rich natural products exert promising therapeutic properties to serve as safer and more cost-effective alternatives for DM management. Herein, this review systematically summarized the research progress on the anti-diabetic properties of dietary saponins and their underlying molecular mechanisms in the past 20 years. Dietary saponins possessed the multidirectional anti-diabetic capabilities by concurrent regulation of various signaling pathways, such as IRS-1/PI3K/Akt, AMPK, Nrf2/ARE, NF-κB-NLRP3, SREBP-1c, and PPARγ, in liver, pancreas, gut, and skeletal muscle. However, the industrialization and commercialization of dietary saponin-based drugs are confronted with a significant challenge due to the low bioavailability and lack of the standardization. Hence, in-depth evaluations in pharmacological profile, function-structure interaction, drug-signal pathway interrelation are essential for developing dietary saponins-based anti-diabetic treatments in the future.

Antioxidant Activities of Natural Compounds from Caribbean Plants to Enhance Diabetic Wound Healing

Diabetic wound healing is a global medical challenge. Several studies showed that delayed healing in diabetic patients is multifactorial. Nevertheless, there is evidence that excessive production of ROS and impaired ROS detoxification in diabetes are the main cause of chronic wounds. Indeed, increased ROS promotes the expression and activity of metalloproteinase, resulting in a high proteolytic state in the wound with significant destruction of the extracellular matrix, which leads to a stop in the repair process. In addition, ROS accumulation increases NLRP3 inflammasome activation and macrophage hyperpolarization in the M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype. Oxidative stress increases the activation of NETosis. This leads to an elevated pro-inflammatory state in the wound and prevents the resolution of inflammation, an essential step for wound healing. The use of medicinal plants and natural compounds can improve diabetic wound healing by directly targeting oxidative stress and the transcription factor Nrf2 involved in the antioxidant response or the mechanisms impacted by the elevation of ROS such as NLRP3 inflammasome, the polarization of macrophages, and expression or activation of metalloproteinases. This study of the diabetic pro-healing activity of nine plants found in the Caribbean highlights, more particularly, the role of five polyphenolic compounds. At the end of this review, research perspectives are presented.