Vol. 8, Issue 6 (2019)

Author(s):
Yogeshwar Sharma

Abstract:
Momordica charantia [Family: Cucurbitaceae; Genus: Momordica] Common Names: Bitter-melon, Bitter-gourd, Bitter-squash, karela and Karavella from Sanskrit. It is a medicinal plant used as a vegetable and folk medicine with hypoglycemic activity of the fruits. It contains an insulin-like compound called charantin which has anti-diabetic properties and helps in reducing the blood sugar levels. It is a good source of dietary fibre, fat and carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, glycosides, saponins, alkaloids, fixed oils, triterpenes, triterpene glycosides, proteins, and steroids. It also helps in lowering the bad cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. It strengthens the immune system, improves respiratory health, boosts skin health and contains anti-ageing properties. The seeds and fruits of bitter gourd have antioxidant, antiviral, anticancer, antiulcer, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidiabetic and antifertility activities. This article summarizes the general description, medicinal properties, traditional uses, structure of some phytochemicals and market preparations of Momordica charantia.