Protective effect of Momordica charantia water extract against liver injury in restraint-stressed mice and the underlying mechanism

Importance of Certain Varieties of Cucurbits in Enhancing Health: A Review

The Cucurbitaceae family is an extensive group of fruits and vegetables that exhibit common characteristics; for example, they are farmed on a global scale and exhibit a wide range of applications, including fresh consumption and use in various food and beverage products. As is frequent, many species or genera share a common name, and this can lead to some confusion when looking for information about a specific variety. In this review, we describe the findings about the biological activity, like antibacterial, antiviral, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties, of two genera of this family, Cucumis and Momordica, which have been characterized and evaluated in several research studies and regarding which information is readily accessible. Those activities rely on the various physicochemical qualities and nutritional content of each variety, including factors like β-carotene and polyphenols, among others. The goal of this review is to provide a rapid search for each activity examined in the literature, enabling future research on their potential uses in functional foods and nutraceutical supplements.

Saponins from Momordica charantia exert hypoglycemic effect in diabetic mice by multiple pathways

The antidiabetic activity of saponins extracted from Momordica charantia (MCS) on streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice was investigated in order to elucidate the mechanism of MCS for exerting hypoglycemic effects. Saponins were first extracted from M. charantia L. and their composition was analyzed. The diabetic Kunming mice were fed low-dose saponins from M. charantia L. and high-dose MCS, using normal mice and diabetic mice as controls. Body weight, blood glucose level, oral glucose tolerance, serum C-peptide level, hepatic antioxidant capacity, hepatic glycogen and hexokinase in liver tissues, serum blood lipid level, and alpha-glucosidase activity in small intestines were measured, and microstructure of pancreatic islet was analyzed. The results showed that the total content of seven triterpenoid compounds in MCS was 18.24 μg/mg, with Momordicoside K having the highest content at 11.66 μg/mg. Diabetic mice treated with MCS at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight daily for 30 days showed a maximum glucose reduction (p < .05) of 12.63% and 26.47%, respectively. MCS significantly decreased levels of postprandial hyperglycemia, serum lipid, α-glucosidase activity, and liver malondialdehyde. Additionally, levels of serum C-peptide and liver glycogen, as well as hexokinase and antioxidant enzyme activity, were significantly increased compared to the diabetic control groups. Histopathological results showed that MCS markedly reduced degenerative changes in islet β-cells. It is concluded that MCS exerts antidiabetic effects by improved hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant effects, increased hexokinase activity and glycogen synthesis, and enhanced reparative effects on the histological architecture and insulin secretion function of the pancreas.

Spectroscopic contribution to glyphosate toxicity profile and the remedial effects of Momordica charantia

In this study, the glyphosate toxicity and the toxicity-reducing role of bitter melon extract (Bmex) (Momordica charantia L.) were investigated in Allium cepa L. test material. The toxicity of glyphosate and protective role of Bmex were investigated with the help of physiological (germination, root elongation and weight gain), cytogenetic (mitotic index-MI, micronucleus-MN and chromosomal abnormalities-CAs), biochemical (malondialdehyde-MDA, superoxide dismutase-SOD and catalase-CAT) and anatomical (root meristem cell damage) parameters. The genotoxicity mechanism of glyphosate was elucidated by spectral analysis. A. cepa bulbs were divided into six groups as one control and five applications. Tap water was applied to the bulbs in the control group for 72 h. Glyphosate (500 mg/L) and two different doses of Bmex (350 and 700 mg/L) were applied to the bulbs in the treatment group for 72 h. At the end of the period, the germinated bulbs were prepared for experimental analyses, measurements and observations by applying routine preparation procedures. As a result, glyphosate administration caused a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in all selected physiological parameter values, and significant (p < 0.05) increases in the number of cytogenetic parameters (except MI), the levels of biochemical parameters and the severity of anatomical damage. Glyphosate promoted CAs such as fragment, sticky chromosome, bridge and unequal distribution of chromatin in root tip meristem cells. By spectral analysis, it was determined that glyphosate interacts directly with DNA and causes genotoxicity. It also caused anatomical damages such as epidermis cell damage, cortex cell damage, flattened cell nucleus, binuclear cell and irregular vascular tissue in root tip meristem cells. Co-administration of glyphosate with Bmex at two different doses (350 and 700 mg/L) reduced the toxicity of glyphosate and led to significant (p < 0.05) improvements in the values of all parameters examined. It was determined that this improvement was even more pronounced at 700 mg/L dose of Bmex. As a result, it was determined that glyphosate herbicide caused multi-dimensional toxicity in A. cepa test material, and Bmex reduced the effects of this toxicity due to its antioxidant properties. Therefore, glyphosate dose ranges need to be reconsidered, especially considering non-target organisms in agricultural applications. In addition, antioxidant products such as Bmex should be included in the daily diet in order to reduce the toxic effects of environmental agents such as pesticides.

Momordica charantia fruit extract with antioxidant capacity improves the expression of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in epididymal fluid of chronic stress rats

OBJECTIVE

Although the protective effects of Momordica charantia L. (MC) extract on chemical-induced testicular damage have been studied, the preventive effects of MC extract on functional proteins in the epididymis under chronic stress have never been reported. This study investigated the protective effects of MC fruit extract on protein secretion, especially tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins, in the epididymis of rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS).

METHODS

Total phenolic compounds (TPC), total flavonoid compounds (TFC) and antioxidant capacities of MC extract were measured. Adult male rats were divided into 4 groups: control group, CUS group, and 2 groups of CUS that received different doses of MC extract (40 or 80 mg/kg). In treated groups, rats were given MC daily, followed by induction of CUS (1 stressor was randomly applied from a battery of 9 potential stressors) for 60 consecutive days. Plasma corticosterone and testosterone levels were analyzed after the end of experiment. Expressions of heat-shock protein 70 (HSP-70) and tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins present in the fluid of the head and tail of the epididymis were quantified using Western blot.

RESULTS

MC extract contained TPC of (19.005 ± 0.270) mg gallic acid equivalents and TFC of (0.306 ± 0.012) mg catechin equivalents per gram, and had 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl antioxidant capacity of (4.985 ± 0.086) mg trolox equivalents per gram, radical 50% inhibitory concentration of (2.011 ± 0.008) mg/mL and ferric reducing antioxidant power of (23.697 ± 0.819) µmol Fe(II) per gram. Testosterone level in the epididymis was significantly increased, while the corticosterone level was significantly improved in groups treated with MC extract, compared to the CUS animals. Particularly, an 80 mg/kg dose of MC extract prevented the impairments of HSP-70 and tyrosine-phosphorylated protein expressions in the luminal fluid of the epididymis of CUS rats.

CONCLUSION

MC fruit extract had antioxidant activities and improved the functional proteins secreted from the head and tail of the epididymis. It is possible to develop the MC fruit extract as a male fertility supplement for enhancing functional sperm maturation in stressed men.

Momordica charantia Extract Confers Protection Against Hypertension in Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats

Hypertension is one of the main factors of cardiovascular disease worldwide and is strongly related to the overall mortality. High salt intake is a major risk factors for hypertension. Identifying functional foods that can help prevent mechanistic abnormalities mediating salt-induced hypertension is an issue of considerable nutraceutical and scientific interest. Dietary Momordica charantia may be an alternative approach to avoid salt-induced hypertension. Dahl salt-sensitive (DSS) rats were used to determine whether Momordica charantia water extracts (ME) exerts anti-hypertensive effects in the present study. ME gavage could significantly prevented the increase of blood pressure, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio of DSS rats. Metabolomics analysis indicated that high-salt diet induced abnormal amino acid metabolism was related to nitric oxide (NO) deficiency, but ME gavage could upregulate the activities of nitric oxide synthase, aspartate aminotransferase, argininosuccinate lyase, argininosuccinate synthase and restore endogenous synthesis of arginine and NO. Meanwhile, renal function was improved after ME gavage. Citrulline, as one of the important component in ME, could attenuate salt-induced hypertension by increasing endogenous synthesis of arginine and NO. Antioxidants in ME, such as phenolic compound, may avoid high-salt induced oxidative stress in DSS rats, which may be another mechanism by which ME prevented blood pressure increase. Thus, the present study indicated that feeding Momordica charantia could avoid high-salt-induced hypertension in DSS rats.

Antioxidant and 5α-Reductase Inhibitory Activity of Momordica charantia Extract, and Development and Characterization of Microemulsion

Momordica charantia (M. charantia) is rich in flavonoids, which possess a strong antioxidant capacity and may help prevent hair loss. This study aims to develop the microemulsion of M. charantia with antioxidant activity and 5α-reductase (5aR) inhibitory activity. The total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and 5aR inhibitory activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the fruit were investigated. The preparation of M. charantia extract-loaded microemulsion (MELM) was optimized and characterized the MELM. The aqueous extract of M. charantia fruit flesh displayed a TPC of 780.75 ± 24.82 mg Gallic acid equivalence/g of extract. ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), and nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging activities were observed in all the extracts. About 0.461 ± 0.003 mg finasteride equivalence/g of extract of 5aR inhibitory activity was detected in the aqueous extract of the inner tissue of M. charantia fruit. Based on NO radical scavenging and 5aR inhibitory activity, an aqueous extract of the inner tissue (pericarp with seed) of M. charantia fruit was used to prepare the MELM. The MELM was prepared using a different ratio of tween 80 and ethanol as Smix. The results showed that the 1:1 ratio of tween 80: ethanol produced microemulsion of an optimum size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index. The MELM samples were stored at 5, 30, and 40 °C for 12 weeks, and the stability was assessed. The results revealed that the size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index of the formulated MELM remained unchanged during the investigated time. This study primarily reports the 5aR inhibitory activity of M. charantia extract and the development of microemulsion. The prepared MELM could be further developed into cosmetic or pharmacological preparations to manage hair loss.

Hepatoprotective Plants from Bangladesh: A Biophytochemical Review and Future Prospect

Liver diseases are quite prevalant in many densely populated countries, including Bangladesh. The liver and its hepatocytes are targeted by virus and microbes, as well as by chemical environmental toxicants, causing wide-spread disruption of metabolic fuctions of the human body, leading to death from end-stage liver diseases. The aim of this review is to systematically explore and record the potential of Bangladeshi ethnopharmacological plants to treat liver diseases with focus on their sources, constituents, and therapeutic uses, including mechanisms of actions (MoA). A literature survey was carried out using Pubmed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases with articles reported until July, 2020. A total of 88 Bangladeshi hepatoprotective plants (BHPs) belonging to 47 families were listed in this review, including Euphorbiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, and Compositae families contained 20% of plants, while herbs were the most cited (51%) and leaves were the most consumed parts (23%) as surveyed. The effect of BHPs against different hepatotoxins was observed via upregulation of antioxidant systems and inhibition of lipid peroxidation which subsequently reduced the elevated liver biomarkers. Different active constituents, including phenolics, curcuminoids, cucurbitanes, terpenoids, fatty acids, carotenoids, and polysaccharides, have been reported from these plants. The hepatoameliorative effect of these constituents was mainly involved in the reduction of hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation through activation of Nrf2/HO-1 and inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathways. In summary, BHPs represent a valuable resource for hepatoprotective lead therapeutics which may offer new alternatives to treat liver diseases.

Plants used for the treatment of icterus (jaundice) in Central India: A review

Jaundice is one of the most common medical condition affecting infants, children, and adults. Jaundice is not a disease but it is a visible sign and symptom of liver disease which occurs when there is an increase in the amount of bilirubin circulating in the blood due to the abnormal metabolism and excretion in the urine. Medicinal plants are being used long ago by our ancestors for the treatment of jaundice. At the present era, consumption of these herbal medicines is increasing at a high speed, due to its less or no side effect and cost-effectiveness as compared to synthetic medicines. This review describes approximately 55 medicinal plants which are used by rural and tribal people of different area of Chhattisgarh for curing jaundice. The data was collected from different kinds of literature survey from the year 1993 to 2018. This review has been conferred in a systematic way which includes plant's vernacular name, botanical name along with its family, part used and ethnomedicinal uses in a tabulated form and also the description of scientific evidence behind the folklore uses of some medicinal plants along with their mechanism of action which have been reported in different kinds of literature. The current study may be useful for the development of new medicines for the treatment of jaundice.

Acute Toxicity of Leaf Extracts of Enydra fluctuans Lour in Zebrafish (Danio rerio Hamilton)

The present study was focused on the concentration-dependent changes in oral acute toxicity of leaf extracts of E. fluctuans in zebrafish. The study was also aimed at the details of histopathological changes in the gill, liver, brain, and intestine of zebrafish exposed to the leaf extracts of the plant E. fluctuans. Enydra fluctuans Lour is an edible semiaquatic herbaceous plant used widely for the alleviation of the different diseases. Since there were no toxicity studies conducted on this plant, the present study was an attempt to look into the elements of toxicity of the plants. Two types of experiments are conducted in the present study. First, the acute oral toxicity study was conducted as per the OECD guidelines 203. Second, histopathological changes were observed in the fishes exposed to the lethal concentrations of plant extract. The oral acute toxicity studies conducted on Zebrafish have revealed that the leave extracts of E. fluctuans were toxic to the tested fish at the concentration of 200 mg/kg body weight. The histopathological studies conducted on the intestine of treated fishes showed that treatment has induced rupturing of the villi structure and fusion of villi the membrane and detachment of the villi structure from the basal membrane of the intestine. The histology of the liver also showed severe vacuolization in the cells while it is not affected in control. The studies on gills showed the detachment of the basal epithelial membrane in the gills compared to control which might have led to death of the fish. The histopathological observations of brain tissues treated with test samples also revealed the marked impingement in the brain parenchyma while the control is normal without impingement of the brain.

Evaluation of the Effect of Aqueous Momordica charantia Linn. Extract on Zebrafish Embryo Model through Acute Toxicity Assay Assessment

Momordica charantia Linn., commonly known as bitter gourd, has many protective roles due to its medicinal value as it contains bioactive components. However, this extract showed possible toxicity effect on zebrafish embryo. Thus this study was designed to differentiate the toxicity activities in two types of M. charantia sample which are Indian and Chinese M. charantia, as well as to compare between two different aqueous extraction methods, hot and cold aqueous method, using zebrafish embryo assay assessment. It was observed that the survival rate of zebrafish embryo decreased as the concentration of test extract increased for all samples of M. charantia. The LC50 values of hot aqueous Chinese M. charantia, hot aqueous Indian M. charantia, and cold aqueous Chinese M. charantia were 144.54 μg/ml, 199.53 μg/ml, and 251.19 μg/ml, respectively. However, cold aqueous Indian M. charantia has a higher LC50 which was not in the range of the tested concentration. Hatchability of Danio rerio embryo reduced as the concentration of M. charantia extract increased while no hatching was observed in the highest concentration (1000 μg/ml). Scoliosis of zebrafish larvae was only seen in higher concentrations (125-1000 μg/ml) of extract. The heartbeat of zebrafish larvae treated with M. charantia extract was within the normal range, 120-180 bpm, but at higher concentrations (125-1000 μg/ml) the heartbeat differed for all samples of test extract. Hence, although this plant extract was safe to be consumed due to its pharmaceutical effect, it still exhibited mild toxicity effect at higher concentration when it was evaluated on zebrafish embryo.

Cucurbitane triterpenoids from the fruit of Momordica charantia L. and their anti-hepatic fibrosis and anti-hepatoma activities

Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae) is a popular vegetable and traditional folk medicine, that has been used for hundreds of years. In this study, three undescribed cucurbitane-type triterpene glycosides furpyronecucurbitane A, goyaglycoside I and charantagenin F along with nine known compounds were isolated from the immature fruit of Momordica charantia L. Their structures were identified on the basis of extensive 1D, 2D NMR and HRESIMS spectroscopy analysis. All isolated compounds were examined for their anti-hepatic fibrosis activity against murine hepatic stellate cells (t-HSC/Cl-6) and anti-hepatoma activity against two kinds of liver cancer cell lines (HepG2 and Hep3B). Among them, karaviloside III exhibited excellent inhibitory activity against activated t-HSC/Cl-6 cells and cytotoxic activity against Hep3B and HepG2 cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 3.74 ± 0.13, 16.68 ± 2.07 and 4.12 ± 0.36 μM, respectively, which may potential to be developed as a chemotherapy agent for treatment hepatic fibrosis or carcinoma and protection against both diseases.

Momordica charantia Ethanol Extract Attenuates H₂O₂-Induced Cell Death by Its Antioxidant and Anti-Apoptotic Properties in Human Neuroblastoma SK-N-MC Cells

Oxidative stress, which is induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS), causes cellular damage which contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Momordica charantia (MC), a traditional medicinal plant, is known to have a variety of health benefits, such as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. However, it is unknown whether MC has protective effects against oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell death. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential action of MC on oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂. First, we tested whether the pretreatment of Momordica charantia ethanol extract (MCEE) attenuates H₂O₂-induced cell death in human neuroblastoma SK-N-MC cells. MCEE pretreatment significantly improved cell viability and apoptosis that deteriorated by H₂O₂. Further, MCEE ameliorated the imbalance between intracellular ROS production and removal through the enhancement of the intracellular antioxidant system. Intriguingly, the inhibition of apoptosis was followed by the blockage of mitochondria-dependent cell death cascades and suppression of the phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling (MAPKs) pathway by MCEE. Taken together, MCEE was shown to be effective in protecting against H₂O₂-induced cell death through its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties.

Recent Advances in Momordica charantia: Functional Components and Biological Activities

Momordica charantia L. (M. charantia), a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, and its fruit has been used as a vegetable for thousands of years. Phytochemicals including proteins, polysaccharides, flavonoids, triterpenes, saponins, ascorbic acid and steroids have been found in this plant. Various biological activities of M. charantia have been reported, such as antihyperglycemic, antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, immunomodulation, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anthelmintic, antimutagenic, antiulcer, antilipolytic, antifertility, hepatoprotective, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities. However, both in vitro and in vivo studies have also demonstrated that M. charantia may also exert toxic or adverse effects under different conditions. This review addresses the chemical constituents of M. charantia and discusses their pharmacological activities as well as their adverse effects, aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of the phytochemistry and biological activities of M. charantia.