Vol. 10, Issue 5 (2021)

Author(s):
Divyanandan Vatas and Sonia Morya

Abstract:
The aim of this paper is to review the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical properties of the bitter gourd. There are many health benefits of bitter gourd especially for diabetic patients as it has hypoglycemic effect due to the lectin present in it which binds with 2 insulin receptors acting as insulin, which naturally results in the lowering of the blood glucose levels and losing the appetite. The olisaccharides present in bitter gourd can boost our immunity naturally which helps our body to stay healthy and lowers the risk of various diseases. Its anti-inflammatory properties can heal the wounds and cuts more easily. Bitter gourd is also taken as a therapeutic remedy for cancer, as it is having anti-tumor or anti-cancer properties but further studies are yet to be done to prove. Due to its anti-viral properties, its juice can be consumed during a viral fever or contagious disease, also the protein found in bitter gourd can inhibit the HIV activity and depresses the expansion of viral core protein while having less effect on cellular DNA. Due to its anti-microbial property, it can be used prevent any infectious area like cuts or burns, usually the paste of bitter gourd is applied on the affected area. Bitter gourd has also shown major antioxidant activity which is good for one’s health as these antioxidants helps us to remove the free radicals present in our body which can cause various diseases and can lower our immunity.