Abstract

REVIEW ON MOMORDICA CHARANTIA LINN.

Megala S.*, Radha R. and Nivedha M.

ABSTRACT

Momordica charantia Linn., is also known as bitter gourd and bitter melon belonging to Cucurbitaceae family. This plant cultivated throughout the India as vegetable crop and used in folk medicine. Plant has a important role as source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals, vitamins and the leaves are nutritious source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and iron. The fruits and leaves of this plant contain a variety of biologically active compounds such as alkaloids, glycosides, saponin, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and tannins. In traditional medicine, it used as antidiabetic, anticancer, anthelmintic, antimalarial, analgesic, antipyretic, antifertility and antimicrobial. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review on pharmacological aspects of Momordica charantia.

Keywords: Momordica charantia, bitter gourd, vitamins, flavonoids, antidiabetic, antimalarial.