Isolation, characterisation and investigation of in vitro antidiabetic and antioxidant activity of phytoconstituents from fruit of Momordica charantia Linn

In vitro and In vivo Determination of Biological Activities of Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.) Peel, Flesh and Seeds

Momordica charantia L. has been remained a well-known medicinal vegetable used traditionally. However, which part is most effective against which disorder, has been remained undiscovered yet. The objective of this study was to examine the antimicrobial, antihyperlipidemic and antihyperglycemic activities of peel, flesh, and seeds of bitter gourd, through in vitro and in vivo assays. Ethanolic extracts from powders of three fractions of bitter gourd were assessed for antimicrobial potential against bacterial and fungal strains, whereas, powders of these fractions were used to determine antihyperlipidemic and antihyperglycemic activity, in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Our results showed that BSE exhibited better antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus, whereas BFE exhibited better against Escherichia coli. Blood glucose was significantly lowered by all three powders in a dose dependent manner, when fed to diabetic rats, with the highest decrease by BSP, which reduced the glucose level from 296.20 ± 2.00 mg/dl to 123.10 ± 0.80 mg/dl, at 15 mg dose, after 28 days trial. Elevated levels of TC (101.18 ± 0.65 mg/dl), TG (83.69 ± 0.61 mg/dl) and LDL-C (25.90 ± 0.09 mg/dl) in positive control rats were lowered down in well manners by BSP at 15 mg dose, to 86.30 ± 0.53, 67.70 ± 0.53 and 19.32 ± 0.06 mg/dl, respectively. As compared to BFP and BPP, BSP showed significant involvement in antibacterial, antihyperglycemic, and antihyperlipidemic actions. Along with the edible flesh, peels and seeds, which are usually discarded as waste, could also be utilized for development of pharma foods capable of promoting health.

Extraction methods, multiple biological activities, and related mechanisms of Momordica charantia polysaccharide: A review

Momordica Charantia Polysaccharide (MCP) is a key bioactive compound derived from bitter melon fruit. This review summarizes the advancements in MCP research, including extraction techniques, biological activities, and mechanisms. MCP can be extracted using various methods, and has demonstrated hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory effects. Research suggests that MCP may regulate metabolic enzymes, oxidative stress reactions, and inflammatory pathways. The review highlights the potential applications of MCP in areas such as anti-diabetes, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory research. Future research should focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of MCP and optimizing extraction methods. This review provides a foundation for further research and utilization of MCP.

Exploring the potential of pheophorbide A, a chlorophyll-derived compound in modulating GLUT for maintaining glucose homeostasis

Introduction

Pheophorbide A, a chlorophyll-breakdown product, is primarily investigated for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Recent reports on pheophorbide A have shown its potential in lowering blood glucose levels, thus leading to the exploration of its use in diabetes management. Literature has also shown its effect on enhanced insulin secretion, whereas its mechanism on glucose stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in pancreatic β cells remains unexplored.

Methods

In-silico and in-vitro investigations were used to explore the effect of pheophorbide A on class I glucose transporters (GLUTs). In-silico studies include - Molecular docking studies and stability assessment using GROMACS. In-vitro studies include - MTT assay, Glucose uptake assay, Live-cell imaging and tracking of GLUTs in presence of Pheophorbide A compared to control.

Results

Molecular docking studies revealed better binding affinity of pheophorbide A with GLUT4 (-11.2 Kcal/mol) and GLUT1 (-10.7 Kcal/mol) when compared with metformin (-5.0 Kcal/mol and -4.9 Kcal/mol, respectively). Glucose levels are largely regulated by GLUTs where GLUT1 is one of the transporters that is ubiquitously present in human β cells. Thus, we confirmed the stability of the complex, that is, pheophorbide A-GLUT1 using GROMACS for 100 ns. We further assessed its effect on a pancreatic β cell line (INS-1) for its viability using an MTT assay. Pheophorbide A (0.1-1 µM) showed a dose-dependent response on cell viability and was comparable to standard metformin. To assess how pheophorbide A mechanistically acts on GLUT1 in pancreatic β cell, we transfected INS-1 cells with GLUT1-enhanced green fluorescent protein and checked how the treatment of pheophorbide A (0.50 µM) modulates GLUT1 trafficking using live-cell imaging. We observed a significant increase in GLUT1 density when treated with pheophorbide A (0.442 ± 0.01 µm-2) at 20 mM glucose concentration when compared to GLUT1 control (0.234 ± 0.01 µm-2) and metformin (0.296 ± 0.02 µm-2). The average speed and distance travelled by GLUT1 puncta were observed to decrease when treated with pheophorbide A. The present study also demonstrated the potential of pheophorbide A to enhance glucose uptake in β cells.

Conclusion

The current study's findings were validated by in-silico and cellular analyses, suggesting that pheophorbide A may regulate GLUT1 and might be regarded as a potential lead for boosting the GSIS pathway, thus maintaining glucose homeostasis.

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.

Two new triterpenoids preventing the hydrocortisone-induced injury in HMEC-1 cells from Momordica charantia L

Momordica charantia L. (M. charantia) is an annual climbing herb in Cucurbitaceae. As a medicinal and edible homologous plant, it has a long history of application. This study aims to isolate and identify the chemical constituents from M. charantia and evaluate their prevention effect on hydrocortisone-induced injury in HMEC-1 cells. 10 kg of M. charantia was extracted with 95% ethanol for three times and partitioned with petroleum ether, dichloromethane and n-butanol. The dichloromethane part was performed by silica, ODS silica, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC to obtain two new compounds. The prevention effect on hydrocortisone-induced injury in HMEC-1 cells of these two compounds was determined by the method of CCK-8. The cell viability of HMEC-1 cells treated with 2 (25 μM) was 85.85% ± 4.39%. The results indicated that 2 exhibited significantly prevention effect on hydrocortisone-induced injury in HMEC-1 cells but 1 exhibited no this activity in vitro.

Traditional Medicine Use among Type 2 Diabetes Patients in KZN

Background. Traditional medicine (TM) is widely used in both developing and developed countries to assist in the attempt to curtail the prevalence and increase in diabetes mellitus. Approximately 53% of South Africans use TM to prevent and treat their diseases. There is no conclusive evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of TM versus prescribed medicine. The most common therapies used by diabetics in Africa include herbal treatments, nutritional products, spiritual healing, and relaxation techniques. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the use of TM in patients with T2DM who are on chronic therapy and living in KwaZulu-Natal. Method. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a district hospital, in which purposive sampling was used to recruit participants and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Information collected included demographic data, information pertaining to home remedies/TM, and self-care practices employed by participants while using TM. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-squared test, t-test, and multivariate logistic regressions to determine predictors of TM usage. Results. Only 92 (27%) of 340 participants reported using TM, with Indians being the most frequent users (58.24%). Approximately, 83.72% (n = 72) used TM in conjunction with prescribed medication. Most participants (56.32%) acquired TM knowledge from family. The most frequently used TM was lemon and honey, Aloe vera, bitter gourd, green tea, and cinnamon. Traditional medicine use among African participants was 0.56 times (OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.34, 0.93) lower than Indian participants. There were no significant predictors for TM usage among the variables tested. Conclusion. A low prevalence rate of TM usage in T2DM patients was found. A significant correlation was noted between ethnicity and TM use. Large-scale studies are required to determine the additive and synergistic effects of TM in health care. Consideration should also be given to integrating TM into mainstream health care.

Momordica charantia L.-Diabetes-Related Bioactivities, Quality Control, and Safety Considerations

Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae), commonly known as bitter gourd or bitter melon, is widely cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world, where its unripe fruits are eaten as a vegetable. Apart from its culinary use, M. charantia has a long history in traditional medicine, serving as stomachic, laxative or anthelmintic, and, most notably, for the treatment of diabetes and its complications. Its antidiabetic properties and its beneficial effects on blood glucose and lipid concentrations have been reported in numerous in vitro and in vivo studies, but the compounds responsible for the observed effects have not yet been adequately described. Early reports were made for charantin, a mixture of two sterol glucosides, and the polypeptide p-insulin, but their low concentrations in the fruits or their limited bioavailability cannot explain the observed therapeutic effects. Still, for many decades the search for more reasonable active principles was omitted. However, in the last years, research more and more focused on the particular cucurbitane-type triterpenoids abundant in the fruits and other parts of the plant. This mini review deals with compounds isolated from the bitter gourd and discusses their bioactivities in conjunction with eventual antidiabetic or adverse effects. Furthermore, methods for the quality control of bitter gourd fruits and preparations will be evaluated for their meaningfulness and their potential use in the standardization of commercial preparations.

A gastro-resistant peptide from Momordica charantia improves diabetic nephropathy in db/db mice via its novel reno-protective and anti-inflammatory activities

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a principal diabetic microvascular complication, is a chronic inflammatory immune disorder. A gastro-resistant peptide mcIRBP-9 from Momordica charantia has shown modulation of blood glucose homeostasis in diabetic mice. Here we conducted a long-term experiment to evaluate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of mcIRBP-9 on DN. Type 2 diabetic mice (db/db mice) were orally given mcIRBP-9 once daily for 12 consecutive weeks. The amelioration of DN was evaluated by renal function indexes, vascular leakage, and pathological lesions. Possible effective mechanisms of mcIRBP-9 on DN were analyzed by gene expression profiles. A pharmacokinetic study in rats was carried out to evaluate the oral bioavailability of mcIRBP-9. Our data showed that mcIRBP-9 was able to enter systemic circulation in rats after oral administration. In comparison with mock, long-term administration of mcIRBP-9 significantly decreased blood glucose (572.25 ± 1.55 mg dL^-1vs. 213.50 ± 163.39 mg dL^-1) and HbA1c levels (13.58 ± 0.30% vs. 8.23 ± 2.98%) and improved the survival rate (85.7% vs. 100%) in diabetic mice. mcIRBP-9 ameliorated DN by reducing renal vascular leakage and histopathological changes. mcIRBP-9 altered the pathways involved in inflammatory and immune responses, and the nuclear factor-κB played a central role in the regulation of mcIRBP-9-affected pathways. Moreover, mcIRBP-9 improved the inflammatory characteristic of DN in diabetic and non-diabetic mice. In conclusion, mcIRBP-9 displayed a novel anti-inflammatory activity and exhibited a reno-protective ability in addition to controlling the blood glucose and HbA1c levels. These findings suggested the role of mcIRBP-9 from M. charantia as a nutraceutical agent for diabetes and subsequent DN.

Physicochemical and Functional Characterization of Newly Designed Biopolymeric-Based Encapsulates with Probiotic Culture and Charantin

The identification of novel sources of synbiotic agents with desirable functionality is an emerging concept. In the present study, novel encapsulates containing probiotic L. acidophilus LA-05^® (LA) and Charantin (CT) were produced by freeze-drying technique using pure Whey Protein Isolate (WPI), pure Maltodextrin (MD), and their combination (WPI + MD) in 1:1 core ratio, respectively. The obtained microparticles, namely WPI + LA + CT, MD + LA + CT, and WPI + MD + LA + CT were tested for their physicochemical properties. Among all formulations, combined carriers (WPI + MD) exhibited the highest encapsulation yields for LA (98%) and CT (75%). Microparticles showed a mean d (4, 3) ranging from 50.393 ± 1.26 to 68.412 ± 3.22 μm. The Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed uniformly amorphous and glass-like structures, with a noticeably reduced porosity when materials were combined. In addition, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy highlighted the formation of strong hydrogen bonds supporting the interactions between the carrier materials (WPI and MD) and CT. In addition, the thermal stability of the combined WPI + MD was superior to that of pure WPI and pure MD, as depicted by the Thermogravimetric and Differential Scanning Calorimetry analysis. More interestingly, co-encapsulation with CT enhanced LA viability (8.91 ± 0.3 log CFU/g) and Cells Surface Hydrophobicity (82%) in vitro, in a prebiotic-like manner. Correspondingly, CT content was heightened when co-encapsulated with LA. Besides, WPI + MD + LA + CT microparticles exhibited higher antioxidant activity (79%), α-amylase inhibitory activity (83%), and lipase inhibitory activity (68%) than single carrier ones. Furthermore, LA viable count (7.95 ± 0.1 log CFU/g) and CT content (78%) were the highest in the blended carrier materials after 30 days of storage at 4 °C. Synbiotic microparticle WPI + MD + LA + CT represents an effective and promising approach for the co-delivery of probiotic culture and bioactive compounds in the digestive tract, with enhanced functionality and storage properties.

In vitro antimetastatic activity of Momordica balsamina crude acetone extract in HT-29 human colon cancer cells

Plant-derived compounds and/or extracts have proven to be beneficial for the treatment of a broad spectrum of cancers with minimal side effects. In this study, we investigated whether a crude acetone extract of Momordica balsamina (MBE) can interfere with the metastatic ability of HT-29 colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. The phytochemical composition of MBE was determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography and cytotoxic effects by the MTT and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining assays. The effect of MBE on the formation of reactive oxygen species was assessed using the DCFH₂ -DA assay. Wound healing assay, transwell cell invasion assay, cell adhesion assay, and the extracellular matrix-cell adhesion array were used to assess the antimetastatic effects of MBE. The effect of MBE on the expression of TNF-α, NF-κB, TIMP-3, MMP-2, and MMP-9 was assessed by western blot analysis. Our results showed that MBE consists of a mixture of compounds without a known anticancer activity in CRC and exhibits cytotoxicity against HT-29 cells. MBE also suppressed reactive oxygen species formation, cell invasion, cell migration, and cell adhesion. The reduction of cell invasion was associated with the downregulation of TNF-α, NF-κB, MMP2, and MMP9 and upregulation of TIMP-3 proteins. We concluded that MBE inhibits the metastatic ability of HT-29 CRC cells in vitro.

Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants Used in Democratic Republic of Congo: A Critical Review of Ethnopharmacology and Bioactivity Data

Several studies have been conducted and published on medicinal plants used to manage Diabetes Mellitus worldwide. It is of great interest to review available studies from a country or a region to resort to similarities/discrepancies and data quality. Here, we examined data related to ethnopharmacology and bioactivity of antidiabetic plants used in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Data were extracted from Google Scholar, Medline/PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, the Wiley Online Library, Web of Science, and other documents focusing on ethnopharmacology, pharmacology, and phytochemistry antidiabetic plants used in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2005 to September 2021. The Kew Botanic Royal Garden and Plants of the World Online web databases were consulted to verify the taxonomic information. CAMARADES checklist was used to assess the quality of animal studies and Jadad scores for clinical trials. In total, 213 plant species belonging to 72 botanical families were reported. Only one plant, Droogmansia munamensis, is typically native to the DRC flora; 117 species are growing in the DRC and neighboring countries; 31 species are either introduced from other regions, and 64 are not specified. Alongside the treatment of Diabetes, about 78.13% of plants have multiple therapeutic uses, depending on the study sites. Experimental studies explored the antidiabetic activity of 133 plants, mainly in mice, rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits. Several chemical classes of antidiabetic compounds isolated from 67 plant species have been documented. Rare phase II clinical trials have been conducted. Critical issues included poor quality methodological protocols, author name incorrectly written (16.16%) or absent (14.25%) or confused with a synonym (4.69%), family name revised (17.26%) or missing (1.10%), voucher number not available 336(92.05%), ecological information not reported (49.59%). Most plant species have been identified and authenticated (89.32%). Hundreds of plants are used to treat Diabetes by traditional healers in DRC. However, most plants are not exclusively native to the local flora and have multiple therapeutic uses. The analysis showed the scarcity or absence of high-quality, in-depth pharmacological studies. There is a need to conduct further studies of locally specific species to fill the gap before their introduction into the national pharmacopeia.

Ameliorative potential of Operculina turpethum against streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats: biochemical and histopathological studies

The study aimed to investigate the acute toxicity, antidiabetic potential (in-vitro and in-vivo) of the Operculina turpethum (L.) Silva Manso at fraction level. The plant was fractionated into different fractions, i.e., flavonoid fraction (OTFF), tannin fraction (OTTF), saponin fraction (OTSF). In-vitro alpha-amylase inhibition assay revealed that OTFF was found to be more potent than standard Acarbose. The plant fractions were evaluated by MTT assay at different concentrations ranging from 100 to 1000 µg/ml. All the fractions were further evaluated for their safety profile, and the biochemical, hematology and histopathology result exhibits that the OTFF fraction produces mild toxicity at organ level at a concentration of 2000 mg/kg in albino mice. The in-vivo antidiabetic study was carried out on Sprague-Dawley rats using high-fat diet (HFD) feeding streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic model, and the biochemical, histopathology research findings represent that OTFF at a concentration of 500 mg/kg, p.o. was found to be highly significant among all the fractions and found to be more potent than the standard Acarbose. LC-MS characterization of the bioactive fraction OTFF showed the presence of rutin with m/z 610.52 in 50.50% and Apigenin 7-O-6'' acetyl-glucoside with m/z 475.42 in 24.10%; from molecular docking study, it is predicted that the fraction primarily acts as an alpha-amylase inhibitor and PPAR gamma agonist. In conclusion, the plant's OTFF fraction acts as a potential therapeutic agent for Type II diabetes mellitus.

Three Selected Edible Crops of the Genus Momordica as Potential Sources of Phytochemicals: Biochemical, Nutritional, and Medicinal Values

Momordica species (Family Cucurbitaceae) are cultivated throughout the world for their edible fruits, leaves, shoots and seeds. Among the species of the genus Momordica, there are three selected species that are used as vegetable, and for medicinal purposes, Momordica charantia L (Bitter melon), Momordica foetida Schumach (Bitter cucumber) and Momordica balsamina L (African pumpkin). The fruits and leaves of these Momordica species are rich in primary and secondary metabolites such as proteins, fibers, minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc), β-carotene, foliate, ascorbic acid, among others. The extracts from Momordica species are used for the treatment of a variety of diseases and ailments in traditional medicine. Momordica species extracts are reputed to possess anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anthelmintic bioactivity, abortifacient, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and play chemo-preventive functions. In this review we summarize the biochemical, nutritional, and medicinal values of three Momordica species (M. charantia, M. foetida and M. balsamina) as promising and innovative sources of natural bioactive compounds for future pharmaceutical usage.

Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia L.) Fruit Bioactives Charantin and Vicine Potential for Diabetes Prophylaxis and Treatment

Natural products are gaining clinical significance in modern day health care systems to prevent diseases. Bitter melon, a health promoting vegetable, is traditionally used for medical nutrition therapy to cure diabetes but to reap maximum health claims, vigilant control of its substances in diet is crucial as part of curative action for effective diabetes management. In the present research, first phase focused on detection of key bioactive components, i.e., charantin and vicine in different parts of its fruit. In the second phase, normal and hyperglycemic Sprague Dawley rats were fed on skin, flesh and whole fruit of bitter melon at 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight and assessed for diabetes prophylaxis and treatment. The highest amount of charantin (0.16 ± 0.02 mg/g) was recorded in flesh while vicine was present in abundance in whole fruit (0.21 ± 0.01 μg/100 g). In normal rats, bitter melon supplementation was helpful in managing the onset of diabetes. Hyperglycemic rats showed diabetic complications including polydipsia, polyuria, glycosuria, renal hypertrophy and increased glomerular filtration rate. However, bitter melon consumption showed significant improvements in these parameters. The most potent dose was 300 mg/kg whole fruit that resulted in 31.64% lowering of blood glucose level and 27.35% increase in insulin level in hyperglycemic rats.

The Effect of Momordica charantia in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus: A Review

In recent years, many studies of Momordica charantia (MC) in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications have been reported. This article reviewed the effect and mechanism of MC against diabetes, including the results from in vitro and in vivo experiments and clinical trials. The common side effects of MC were also summarized. We hope that it might open up new ideas for further mechanism exploration and clinical application as well as provide a scientific theoretical basis for the development of drugs or foods derived from MC.

Antistress and anti-aging activities of Caenorhabditis elegans were enhanced by Momordica saponin extract

BACKGROUND

Momordica saponin extract (MSE) was found to not only improve longevity and neuroprotection but also alleviate fat accumulation in Caenorhabditis elegans in our previous study. However, the lipid-lowering activity of MSE alone could not fully explain its ability to improve health, so the antistress effects of MSE were further studied.

METHODS

Using C. elegans as an in vivo animal, the lifespan of MSE-treated C. elegans under various stressors (H₂O₂, paraquat and heat) and normal conditions was studied. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities of MSE were discussed. To study the underlying mechanisms, the expression of stress resistance genes and the resistance of related mutants to H₂O₂ stress were tested.

RESULTS

MSE significantly improved the lifespan of C. elegans under stress and normal conditions. Meanwhile, the mobility of C. elegans was also improved. Moreover, the activities of SOD and CAT and the ratio of GSH/GSSG were elevated. Consistently, the levels of ROS and lipid oxidation (the NEFA and MDA content) were reduced. Furthermore, MSE treatment upregulated the expression of the sod-3, sod-5, clt-1, clt-2, hsp-16.1 and hsp-16.2 genes. All biomarkers indicated that the antistress and anti-aging activities of MSE were due to its strong antioxidant activities. Finally, MSE induced nuclear DAF-16::GFP localization. Studies with mutants revealed that skn-1 and hsf-1 were involved in the activity of MSE, which might upregulate the expression of downstream stress-responsive genes.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, in addition to its lipid-lowering property, the ability of MSE to improve healthspan was also attributed to the stress resistance effect. Together, MSE might serve as a lead nutraceutical in geriatric research.

NMR-based metabolomic profiling of the differential concentration of phytomedicinal compounds in pericarp, skin and seeds of Momordica charantia (bitter melon)

Momordica charantia is a medicinal plant which is widely used in different traditional medicinal systems to treat several diseases. We have identified the differential distribution of phytomedicinally important metabolites in the pericarp, skin and seeds of M. charantia fruit via NMR spectroscopy. Multivariate statistical analysis showed a clustering of the metabolic profiles of seeds and pericarp, and their clear separation from the metabolic profile of the skin. The total phenolic and flavonoid content of the fruit extracts were estimated via bioassays, the radical scavenging activity was estimated via in vitro DPPH and ABTS assays and an inhibitory activity test of α-glucosidase was also performed. The pericarp and seeds contained significant amounts of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, indicating that they are a good source for antioxidants. The skin contained a significantly higher amount of phytosterols such as Charantin and momordicine, which are known to correlate with antidiabetic activity.