Combining ability analysis in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L. ) for potential quality improvement / Análise de capacidade de combinação em cabaça-amarga (Momordica charantia L. ) para melhoria potencial da qualidade

Abstract Combining ability analysis provides useful information for the selection of parents, also information regarding the nature and magnitude of involved gene actions. Crops improvement involves strategies for enhancing yield potentiality and quality components. Targeting the improvement of respective characters in bitter gourd, combining ability and genetic parameters for 19 characters were estimated from a 6×6 full diallel analysis technique. The results revealed that the variances due to general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were highly significant for most of the important characters. It indicated the importance of both additive and non-additive gene actions. GCA variances were higher in magnitude than SCA variances for all the characters studied indicating the predominance of the additive gene effects in their inheritance. The parent P2 (BG 009) appeared as the best general combiner for earliness; P1 (BG 006) for number of fruits, average single fruit weight and fruit yield; P4 (BG 027) for node number of first female flower and days to seed fruit maturity; P3 (BG 011) for fruit length and thickness of the fruit flesh; P5 (BG 033) for 100-seed weight; and P6 for number of nodes per main vine. The SCA effect as well as reciprocal effect was also significant for most of the important characters in different crosses.

Resumo A análise da capacidade de combinação fornece informações úteis para a seleção dos pais, também informações sobre a natureza e a magnitude das ações dos genes envolvidos. A melhoria das safras envolve estratégias para aumentar a potencialidade da produção e os componentes de qualidade. Visando ao aprimoramento dos respectivos caracteres em cabaça-amarga, capacidade de combinação e parâmetros genéticos para 19 caracteres, foram estimados a partir de uma técnica de análise dialélica completa 6 × 6. Os resultados revelaram que as variâncias, devido à capacidade geral de combinação (GCA) e capacidade específica de combinação (SCA), foram altamente significativas para a maioria dos caracteres importantes. Indicou a importância das ações gênicas aditivas e não aditivas. As variâncias GCA foram maiores em magnitude do que as variâncias SCA para todos os caracteres estudados, indicando a predominância dos efeitos do gene aditivo em sua herança. O pai P2 (BG 009) apareceu como o melhor combinador geral para o início; P1 (BG 006) para número de frutos, peso médio de um único fruto e produção de frutos; P4 (BG 027) para número de nó da primeira flor fêmea e dias para a maturidade do fruto da semente; P3 (BG 011) para comprimento do fruto e espessura da polpa do fruto; P5 (BG 033) para peso de 100 sementes; e P6 para o número de nós por videira principal. O efeito SCA, bem como o efeito recíproco, também foi significativo para a maioria dos personagens importantes em cruzamentos diferentes.

Combining ability analysis in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) for potential quality improvement

Abstract Combining ability analysis provides useful information for the selection of parents, also information regarding the nature and magnitude of involved gene actions. Crops improvement involves strategies for enhancing yield potentiality and quality components. Targeting the improvement of respective characters in bitter gourd, combining ability and genetic parameters for 19 characters were estimated from a 6×6 full diallel analysis technique. The results revealed that the variances due to general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were highly significant for most of the important characters. It indicated the importance of both additive and non-additive gene actions. GCA variances were higher in magnitude than SCA variances for all the characters studied indicating the predominance of the additive gene effects in their inheritance. The parent P2 (BG 009) appeared as the best general combiner for earliness; P1 (BG 006) for number of fruits, average single fruit weight and fruit yield; P4 (BG 027) for node number of first female flower and days to seed fruit maturity; P3 (BG 011) for fruit length and thickness of the fruit flesh; P5 (BG 033) for 100-seed weight; and P6 for number of nodes per main vine. The SCA effect as well as reciprocal effect was also significant for most of the important characters in different crosses.

Resumo A análise da capacidade de combinação fornece informações úteis para a seleção dos pais, também informações sobre a natureza e a magnitude das ações dos genes envolvidos. A melhoria das safras envolve estratégias para aumentar a potencialidade da produção e os componentes de qualidade. Visando ao aprimoramento dos respectivos caracteres em cabaça-amarga, capacidade de combinação e parâmetros genéticos para 19 caracteres, foram estimados a partir de uma técnica de análise dialélica completa 6 × 6. Os resultados revelaram que as variâncias, devido à capacidade geral de combinação (GCA) e capacidade específica de combinação (SCA), foram altamente significativas para a maioria dos caracteres importantes. Indicou a importância das ações gênicas aditivas e não aditivas. As variâncias GCA foram maiores em magnitude do que as variâncias SCA para todos os caracteres estudados, indicando a predominância dos efeitos do gene aditivo em sua herança. O pai P2 (BG 009) apareceu como o melhor combinador geral para o início; P1 (BG 006) para número de frutos, peso médio de um único fruto e produção de frutos; P4 (BG 027) para número de nó da primeira flor fêmea e dias para a maturidade do fruto da semente; P3 (BG 011) para comprimento do fruto e espessura da polpa do fruto; P5 (BG 033) para peso de 100 sementes; e P6 para o número de nós por videira principal. O efeito SCA, bem como o efeito recíproco, também foi significativo para a maioria dos personagens importantes em cruzamentos diferentes.

Histomorphological Observations in Reproductive Organs of Wistar Rats Administered with Aqueous Leaf Extract of Momordica charantia

Effort to explore the adverse effect of the plant, Momordica charantia on mammals has remained inadequate despite previous attempt by earlier investigators. More glaring is the paucity of information on the histomorphological effect of the plant’s aqueous leaf extract hence the need to determine possible alteration of tissue structures in reproductive organs of adult Wistar rats which may affect their functions. This study aimed at determining the effect of Momordica charantia aqueous leaf extract (MCALE) on the reproductive organs of experimental adult Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty five rats (male and female) weighing 180-200g were randomly divided into five (5) groups of five rats each. The experimental groups, A to D were fed on standard diet and administered with 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight /day of MCE orally using gavage for 30 days. Rats in the control groups were fed on standard diet and physiological saline orally. Organs were harvested, fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin (ovaries) and Bouin’s fluid (testes), embedded in molten paraffin wax, sectioned with a rotary microtome and stained with the haematoxylin and eosin technique. Stained slides were examined using the Olympus microscope. Results: Sections of ovaries administered 100 mg/kg of the extract showed vesicular spaces in corpus luteum and enlarged blood vessels. Sections treated with 200 mg/kg revealed follicular cyst and mild vacuolation of zona granulosa. Sections of the ovaries administered 400 mg/kg revealed degenerative changes, follicular cyst, mild vacuolation and reduction of zona granulosa layer while those treated with 800 mg/kg showed severe vacuolation of the zona granulosa layer. Conclusion: Momordica charantia caused histomorphological changes in ovaries of Wistar rats which could cause hormonal imbalance and infertility in females. No histomorphological changes were observed in male testes.

Mechanism of Momordica charantia Extract in Regulating Gluconeogenesis in ZDF Diabetes Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Momordica charantia extract （MCE） on the gluconeogenesis signaling pathway in diabetes rats. MethodMale Zucker Diabetic Fatty （ZDF） rats aged 5-6 weeks were randomly divided into a model group and an MCE group （administered MCE at a dose of 0.40 g·kg-1 by gavage）. Additionally， seven healthy male ZDF （fa/+） rats were assigned to the normal group and received administration once daily for six consecutive weeks. During the experiment， the general condition of the rats was observed， and body weight was recorded. Fasting blood glucose and random blood glucose levels were measured in the 1st， 3rd， and 5th weeks. In the 6th week， an oral glucose tolerance test （OGTT） was conducted， and serum levels of triglycerides （TG）， free fatty acid （FFA）， total cholesterol （TC）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， and alanine aminotransferase （ALT） were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was performed to examine liver morphology， periodic acid-Schiff （PAS） staining was used to assess hepatic glycogen storage， and Real-time polymerase chain reaction （PCR） was employed to measure the mRNA expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase （PEPCK） and glucose-6-phosphatase （G6Pase） in the liver. Western blot analysis was conducted to measure the phosphorylation level of forkhead box protein O1 （FoxO1） and the protein expression of PEPCK and G6Pase in the liver. ResultCompared with the model group， the MCE group showed significant improvements in body weight， fasting blood glucose， random blood glucose， and glucose tolerance （P<0.05， P<0.01） and reduced serum levels of FFA， TC， and TG （P<0.05， P<0.01）. There were no significant differences in ALT and AST between the two groups. In the MCE group， the HE staining revealed more orderly liver cell arrangement and reduced hepatic steatosis and the PAS staining showed increased hepatic glycogen storage. The protein expression of p-FoxO1 in the liver was significantly elevated （P<0.01）， while there was no significant difference in FoxO1 protein expression. The mRNA and protein expression of PEPCK and G6Pase significantly decreased （P<0.05）. ConclusionMCE exhibits glucose-lowering and lipid-lowering effects， improves glucose tolerance， and enhances hepatic glycogen storage. These effects may be attributed to the upregulation of p-FoxO1， leading to the inhibition of PEPCK and G6Pase expression and the regulation of gluconeogenesis-related processes.

Phytochemical evaluation and anti-psoriatic activity of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Momordica charantia

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, multi factorial disease. Topical chemical agents are used to treat psoriasis, despite their lower effectiveness or ineffective effects. Herbal medicine can be one of the alternative treatment methods. Momordica charantia is traditionally used to treat skin diseases, especially psoriasis. The main phytochemicals responsible for antipsoriatic activity is stigmasterol, taraxerol, lofenol, phenylpropanoids and squalene. The alcoholic soxhlation method was used to obtain the percentage phytochemical yield of 13.36% w/w, which was used for antipsoriatic activity using a mouse tail model of psoriasis. The extract produced significant differentiation of the epidermis as evidenced by the degree of orthokeratosis 70.18 ± 2.64% compared to the negative control 17.30 ± 4.09%. This was equivalent to the effect of the standard positive control, tazarotene gel (0.1%), which showed a degree of orthokeratosis of 90.03 ± 2.00%. The extract showed an overall antipsoriatic activity of 63.94%.

Momordica charantia polysaccharide modulates host immune response and alleviates DSS-induced colitis in mice / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of Momordica charantia polysaccharide (MCP) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice and the possible mechanism. Methods:MCP was extracted from Momordica charantia (MC). Fifteen C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into three groups with five in each group: control group, DSS group and DSS+ MCP group. The body weight and disease activity index (DAI) of the mice were monitored every day. Mouse colon tissues and serum samples were collected. Pathological changes in intestinal tissues and the expression of inflammatory factors, CD4 + T cells, neutrophils and macrophages were analyzed by HE staining, ELISA, RT-qPCR and flow cytometry. Results:MCP alleviated the DSS-induced UC in mice by restoring body weight and stool consistency and reducing bleeding. Moreover, MCP could repair the mucosal barrier function of colon tissues, decreasing inflammatory cell infiltration and lessening the edema in mucosal layer and muscle layer, and therefore protect the damaged intestinal tract of mice. The expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) and the level of CD4 + T cells were decreased in the colonic tissues of MCP-treated mice. Conclusions:MCP ameliorated DSS-induced UC in mice through inhibiting weight loss, repairing colonic tissue damage, improving immune system disorder and decreasing the expression of inflammatory cytokines. This study provided reference for further study of MCP as a potential dietary intervention in the treatment of UC.

Progress on Hypoglycemic Effect and Mechanism of Momordica charantia / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Momordica charantia has been a traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） and food since ancient times. The discussions on its nature， taste and efficacy in ancient books of TCM are almost the same. With a high nutritional value， M. charantia is rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals， and has been widely used in the production of a wide range of dietary supplements and functional foods. At the same time， M. charantia is one of the most deeply studied natural medicines in traditional alternative medicine， with a wide range of pharmacological effects， especially in the treatment of metabolic diseases. Clinical trials have confirmed that M. charantia has a hypoglycemic effect， and could reduce blood lipids and weight loss， so as to improve metabolism in a comprehensive manner. According to the study on the mechanism of M. charantia in the treatment of diabetes， M. charantia could reduce blood sugar by improving islet β-cell function， improving insulin resistance， inhibiting intestinal glucose absorption and resisting inflammation and oxidative stress. However， at present， there is a lack of unified standards for the hypoglycemic effects and various mechanisms of action of M. charantia， and the safety has not been fully confirmed. Further studies shall be conducted to investigate the hypoglycemic effect and mechanisms of M. charantia， explore active components of M. charantia， define the pharmacodynamics material basis， extract monomer compounds with a clear structure and confirm its effectiveness and safety， which is helpful to develop and utilize the homologous value of medicine and food of M. charantia and further apply it in clinic. The application of the hypoglycemic effect of M. charantia in clinic has important economic benefits and a social significance.

Studies of dietary phytoestrogen from momordica charantia Linn. Seeds / Estudios de fitoestrógeno en la dieta a partir de semillas de momordica charantia Linn

Phytoestrogens are secondary plant metabolites produced by plants that are similar in structure of estrogen. Human consumption of these compounds has been associated with many health benefits. In this study, we investigated the potential phytoestrogen content of dietary Momordica charantia Linn. (Bitter melon) seeds were collected from the Hyderabad-Karnataka regions of India. A phenolic dietary phytoestrogen has been isolated from the crude ethanol extract of Bitter melonseeds. After preparative HPLC whitish amorphous compound was yielded. The HPLC purified compound is subjected to spectral analysis using IR, NMR and MS. The spectral data revealed that the phenolphthalein a phytoestrogenic molecule is present in the ethanol extract of dietary Bitter melonseeds.

Los fitoestrógenos son metabolitos vegetales secundarios, producidos por plantas que tienen una estructura similar al estrógeno. El consumo humano de estos compuestos se ha asociado con muchos beneficios para la salud. En este estudio, investigamos el contenido potencial de fitoestrógenos de Momordica charantia Linn en la dieta. Se recolectaron semillas (melón amargo) de las regiones de Hyderabad-Karnataka de la India. Se ha aislado un fitoestrógeno dietético fenólico del extracto de etanol crudo de semillas de melón amargo. Después de HPLC preparativa, se obtuvo un compuesto amorfo blanquecino. El compuesto purificado por HPLC se somete a análisis espectral usando IR, NMR y MS. Los datos espectrales revelaron que la fenolftaleína, una molécula fitoestrogénica, está presente en el extracto etanólico de las semillas de melón amargo en la dieta.

Antidiabetic effect of Momordica charantia saponins in rats induced by high-fat diet combined with STZ

Background: The harmful effects of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications have become a major global public health problem. In this study, the effects of Momordica charantia saponins (MCS) on lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and insulin signaling pathway in type 2 diabetic rats were investigated. Results: MCS could attenuate the tendency of weight loss of the model rats. It could also improve glucose tolerance; reduce fasting blood glucose, nonesterified fatty acid, triglyceride, and total cholesterol; and increase the insulin content and insulin sensitivity index of the rats. The activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase increased, and the content of malondialdehyde decreased in the liver and pancreas tissues of rats in MCS-treated groups significantly. In addition, the expression of p-IRS-1 (Y612) and p-Akt (S473) increased, and the expression of p-IRS-1 (S307) decreased in the liver tissues and pancreas tissues of rats in MCS-treated groups significantly. Conclusion: MCS has an antidiabetic effect, which may be related to its improving the lipid metabolism disorder, reducing oxidative stress level, and regulating the insulin signaling pathway.

The Effect of Aqueous Extract of MomordicaCharantia on Blood Glucose Level in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is one of the five leadingcauses of death in the world.Objective: Our main goal is to estimate the effect of aqueousextract of Momordica charantia on blood glucose level inalloxan induced diabetic rats.Methodology: This experimental study was carried out atDepartment of pharmacology, Dhaka medical college, Dhakafrom July 2014 to June 2015 where the study was divided intotwo parts, Experiment-1 and Experiment-2. In Experiment-1include group A and group B. Experiment-2 include group C,group D and group E. Blood was collected from group A andgroup B on day 1 and day 15 and from group C,D and E onday 1,4 and 15 of experiment.Results: During the result in group-A (served as control andreceived normal rat diet for 14 days) the blood glucose levels(mean ± SD) were 4.90±0.50 mmol/L and 5.3±0.38mmol/L onday 1 and day 15 respectively. Percent inhibition was 4.8 andin group-B the blood glucose levels (mean ± SD) were5.00±0.36mmol/L and 5.05±0.32 mmol/L on day 1 and 15respectively. Also for in group C, the blood glucose levels(mean ± SD) were 5.31± 0.45 and 14.24±.51 on day 1 andday 15 respectively.Conclusion: From the analysis we can conclude that thataqueous extract of Momordica charantia has hypoglycaemiceffect, thus provide a rational for its use in development of newdrug require for treatment and prevention of complications ofdiabetes mellitus.

Antiviral effect of crude aqueous extracts from ten philippine medicinal plants against Zika virus

Objective@#This study aimed to determine the antiviral activity of ten Philippine medicinal plants against Zika virus (ZIKV).@*Methods@#Lyophilized aqueous plant extracts were used for cell cytotoxicity and virus inhibition assays. The therapeutic index was computed from the 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) and 50% effective concentration (EC50) values. Plant metabolites were also identified using mass spectroscopy. An in-silico screening of these metabolites was done using ZIKV enzymes and the Axl protein in human microglial cells as target proteins, followed by the ranking of binding energy scores to generate a hypothesis on the possible mechanism of antiviral action.@*Results@#The plants that demonstrated the highest therapeutic index were Momordica charantia, Psidium guajava, Vitex negundo, and Blumea balsamifera. The majority of the metabolites present in the aqueous extracts were saponin, terpenes and terpenoids, and anthocyanin. Further, in-silico docking results showed a higher binding affinity for viral replication proteins compared to the viral envelope protein.@*Conclusion@#The crude aqueous extracts of M. charantia, P. guajava, V. negundo, and B. balsamifera were the most potent candidate antiviral therapies against ZIKV among the ten plants tested. Meanwhile, the in-silico results suggested that the metabolites possibly employ an intracellular mechanism for the observed antiviral activity.

Avaliação Da Atividade Antifúngica Dos Extratos Etanólicos Do Melão-De-São Caetano (momordica charantia l) frente a diferentes espécies de cândida / Evaluation of the antifungal activity of ethanolic extracts of the bitter melon (Momordica Charantia L.) Against different species of candida

Introdução: Leveduras do gênero Candida são reconhecidas por serem as espécies mais comuns envolvidas na etiologia das micoses. Objetivo: avaliar a atividade antifúngica dos extratos etanólicos do Melão-de-São-Caetano (Momordica charantia L.) frente a diferentes espécies de Candida. Metodologia: após aprovação pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa, a coleta dos frutos e das folhas do Melão-de-SãoCaetano foi realizada na região da zona rural de Bauru-SP. Os frutos in natura e as folhas foram levados à estufa com circulação forçada de ar por 96 horas a 45°C, sendo, após esse período, submetidos ao processo de moagem em turbólise. Os triturados foram pesados e a cada 10g foram acrescentados 85mL de álcool 70%. Os macerados foram armazenados em erlemeyer, ficaram em repouso por 21 dias, foram devidamente embalados para que a luz não penetrasse na solução. Na sequência, o líquido foi filtrado a vácuo e o solvente evaporado em capela para obtenção dos extratos etanólicos. Os testes foram realizados em triplicata. Resultados: o extrato do fruto não apresentou capacidade fungistática (CIM) nem fungicida (CFM) na máxima concentração avaliada (1250µg/mL) sob as espécies de Candida utilizadas. Já o extrato da folha demonstrou ação fungistática (CIM) frente a todas as espécies de Candida, mostrando padrões diferentes nas concentrações (312,5µg/mL para C. albicans e 625µg/ mL para C. krusei, C. tropicalis e C. glabrata). O mesmo extrato demonstrou capacidade fungicida (CFM) nas espécies C. albicans e na C. tropicalis, nas concentrações 625µg/mL e 1250µg/mL respectivamente. Conclusão: o extrato da folha do Melão-de-SãoCaetano foi eficaz sobre todas as linhagens de Candida ensaiadas, sugerindo uma ótima alternativa terapêutica.

Introduction: Yeast of the candida gender are mostly related to etiology of mycosis. Objective: evaluate the antifungal activity of ethanolic extracts of the Bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) against different species of Candida. Methodology: after the approval by the Research Ethics Committee, fruits and leaves of the Bitter melon were collected in the rural area of Bauru-SP. The fruits and leaves were taken to a greenhouse and kept with forced air circulation for 96 hours at the temperature of 45 °C. After that period, the samples were submitted to a grinding process in turbolysis. The grindings were weighed and each 10g received 85mL of alcohol 70%. The macerates were stored in an Erlenmeyer flask and were kept at rest for 21 days; after that, they were appropriately packed so that no light would penetrate in the solution. In the sequence, the liquid suffered a vacuum filtration and the solvent was evaporated in a hood to obtain the ethanolic extracts. The tests were performed in triplicate. Results: The extract of the fruit did not show fungistatic (CIM) nor fungicidal capacity (CFM) in the maximum concentration evaluated (1250µg/mL) against the species of Candida used. On the other hand, the extract of the leave showed fungistatic activity (CIM) against the other species of Candida, presenting different patterns in the concentrations (312.5µg/mL for C. albicans and 625µg/mL for C. krusei, C. tropicalis and C. glabrata). The same extract showed fungicidal capacity (CFM) in the species C. albicans and C. tropicalis, in the concentrations 625µg/mL and 1250µg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: the extract of the leave of the Bitter melon was effective against all Candida strains studied, suggesting this is a great therapeutic alternative.

Momordica protein MAP30 promotes apoptosis and autophagy via AKT/mTOR pathway in multiple myeloma cell / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#Objective: To investigate the role of momordica protein MAP30 in multiple myeloma (MM) and the possible mechanism. Methods: Human myeloma RPMI-8226, NCI-H929 and U266 cells were treated with MAP30 at different concentration (1-10 μmol/L) and then the proliferation rates of cells were detected by CCK-8 assay.Annexin V/PI flow cytometry was used to evaluate the apoptosis rate of myeloma cells, and the expressions of apoptosis-related protein (PARP), autophagy-related proteins (LC3II, P62) andAkt/mTOR pathway-related proteins in multiple myeloma cells were also detected via Wb. The changes in cell proliferation, apoptosis and autophagy after the treatment of MAP30 combined with autophagy agonist rapamycin (Rap) or autophagy inhibitor bafilomycin (Baf) were observed by CCK-8, flow cytometry and Wb, respectively. Results: MAP30 (1-10 μmol/L) inhibited the proliferation of myeloma cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner (P<0.05 or P<0.01). With MAP30 acting on myeloma cells alone, the apoptosis and autophagy of MM cells, as well as the expression of PARP cleavage and LC3II increased while the expression of P62 decreased significantly (all P< 0.05 or P<0.01). After being treated with MAP30+Baf, compared with MAP30 treatment alone, the cell proliferation was remarkably enhanced while cell apoptosis and cell autophagy were suppressed, besides, the expression of PARP cleavage and LC3II were decreased and P62 level was augmented (all P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conversely, after being treated with MAP30+Baf, compared with MAP30 treatment or Baf treatment alone, cell proliferation and P62 level were reduced, while apoptosis and autophagy as well as the expressions of PARP cleavage and LC3II level were increased (all P<0.05 or P<0.01). The expressions of p-AKT and p-mTOR were significantly reduced with the effect of MAP30 on myeloma cells (all P<0.05). Conclusion: MAP30 can promote the apoptosis and autophagy of myeloma cells throughAKT/mTOR pathway, which may provide a new therapeutic strategy for treatment of multiple myeloma.

Effects of Diospyros kaki peel, Momordica charantia, and Canavalia gladiata extracts on the cariogenic traits of Streptococcus mutans / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to determine methods of dental caries prevention by investigating the use of compounds of Diospyros kaki (D. kaki) peel, Momordica charantia (M. charantia), and Canavalia gladiata (C. gladiata) extracts to limit the cariogenic traits of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), such as their ability to proliferate and adhere to the tooth surface. METHODS: Broth microdilution and the agar spreading assay were used to determine the antimicrobial effect and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of S. mutans extracts. In order to identify the adhesive ability of S. mutans at varying concentrations, culture plates were first stained with 1 ml of 0.01% crystal violet for 15 minutes at room temperature, and then eluted with 1 ml of EtOH:Acetone (8:2) solution for 15 minutes in a 37℃ incubator. Eluted solutions were then evaluated by use of a spectrophotometer at 575 nm. RESULTS: Experiments were conducted in order to investigate the effectiveness of D. kaki peel, M. charantia, and C. gladiata extracts on limiting the proliferation of S. mutans. The MIC was measured as an indication of whether the antibacterial activity of D. kaki peel, M. charantia, and C. gladiata extracts had a significant bacteriostatic effect on S. mutans. M. charantia extract was effective for growth inhibition on S. mutans at a minimum concentration of 0.25%. From the adhesion ability assay, M. charantia extract had an anti-adhesive effect. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that M. charantia extract demonstrates antibacterial activity and has an anti-adhesive effect on S. mutans. Due to these properties, M. charantia extract may be used to prevent dental caries.

Minerals and phytochemical analysis of bitter melon fruits and its components in some indigenous and exotic cultivars / Análise fitoquímica e de minerais de frutos de melão amargo e seus componentes em alguns cultivares indígenas e exóticos

The present study was designed to compare the mineral contents and phytochemicals in fruits of some indigenous and exoticbitter melon cultivars. Skin, flesh, seeds and whole fruit of each cultivar were dried at room temperature and ground to fine powder which was packed separately in air-tight plastic jars for analysis. The data revealed that all the cultivars possessed appreciable amount of minerals. Indigenous cultivars possessed higher mineral contents than the exotic cultivars. Black King was found to be desirable cultivar with high amount of potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc with values of 258.83, 92.92, 46.74, 48.42, 3.90 and 1.78 mg/100g, respectively. Among fruit parts, flesh portion was rich in potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium and calcium followed by skin and seed. The seeds possessed relatively high amount of iron (4.44 mg/100g) and zinc (2.80 mg/100g). On the whole, flesh part of Black King is predominated in mineral profile while least quantity was observed in the seeds of Noor. All the cultivars possessed same types of phytochemicals although may vary in their abundance. Phenols, flavanoids, saponins and ascorbic acid were present in abundance in skin and flesh while seeds were found rich in alkaloids and glycoalkaloid. The variations in the chemical composition in fruit and components due to changes in agro-climatic conditions suggest that there is scope for developing cultivars to be grown in wide range of agronomic, climatic and geographic conditions with no effect on its nutrient and phytochemical profile.

O presente estudo foi projetado para comparar os teores de minerais e fitoquímicos em frutos de alguns cultivares indígenas e exóticos de melão amargo. Casca, polpa, sementes e frutos inteiros de cada cultivar foram secos à temperatura ambiente e moídos até obter-se um pó fino que foi embalado separadamente em frascos de plástico hermeticamente fechados para análise. Os dados revelaram que todos os cultivares possuíam quantidade apreciável de minerais. Cultivares indígenas possuíam maior conteúdo mineral que os cultivares exóticos. Descobriu-se que o Black King foi o cultivar desejável com alta quantidade de potássio, fósforo, magnésio, cálcio, ferro e zinco com valores de 258.83, 92.92, 46.74, 48.42, 3.90 e 1.78 mg/100g, respectivamente. Entre as partes das frutas, a polpa era mais rica em potássio, fósforo, magnésio, sódio e cálcio, seguida pela casca e pela semente. As sementes possuíam quantidades relativamente elevadas de ferro (4.44 mg/100g) e zinco (2.80 mg/100g). No geral, na polpa do Black King predomina o perfil mineral, enquanto uma menor quantidade foi observada nas sementes de Noor. Todos os cultivares possuíam os mesmos tipos de fitoquímicos, embora possam variar em sua abundância. Fenóis, flavonóides, saponinas e ácido ascórbico estavam presentes em abundância na casca e na polpa enquanto as sementes eram ricas em alcalóides e glicoalcalóides. As variações na composição química de frutos e componentes devido a mudanças nas condições agroclimáticas sugerem que há espaço para o desenvolvimento de cultivares a serem cultivadas em ampla escala de condições agronômicas, climáticas e geográficas, sem efeito no seu perfil nutricional e fitoquímico.

Antioxidant capacity of Momordica charantia extract and its protective effect on testicular damage in valproic acid-induced rats / Capacidad antioxidante del extracto de Momordica charantia y su efecto protector sobre el daño testicular en ratas inducidas con ácido valproico

Although Momordica charantia (MC) has preventive effects on tissue injuries, antioxidant capacity and protective effect of MC pulp and peel (MCP) on valproic acid (VPA)-testicular damage have never been reported. Fresh MCPs were aqueous extracted and determined for antioxidant capacity and momordicine I level by HPLC. Male rats were divided into 5 groups (control, VPA (500 mg/kgBW), MCP20/40/ or 80 mg/kgBW+VPA). In 30 experimental days, animals were pretreated with different doses of MCPs for 20 days before VPA injection for 10 consecutive days. Sperm concentration, testosterone hormone, and testicular histology of all groups were investigated. Expressions of testicular tyrosine phosphorylated and steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) proteins were examined by Western blot. Results showed that MCP contains TPC (39.24±0.65 ug/mg garlic acid), antioxidant capacities (FRAP=33.08±0.21 ug/ mg ascorbic acid equivalent, IC50 of DPPH=389.8±3.20 ug/ml), and momordicine I (404.9 mg/g MCP). Sperm concentration in MCP80+VPA group was increased as compared to VPA group. Testosterone level in MCP treated groups was significantly increased. MCP protected testicular damage and could prevent the decrease of StAR and a 50-kDa phosphorylated protein expression in VPAtreated testis. In conclusion, MCP has antioxidant activities and can prevent male reproductive toxicity in VPA-induced rats.

A pesar que la Momordica charantia (MC) tiene efectos preventivos sobre las lesiones en los tejidos, capacidad antioxidante y un efecto protector de la pulpa y la cáscara de MC (CMC) sobre el ácido valproico (AVP), aún no se ha informado efectos sobre el daño testicular. Las CMC frescas fueron extraídas de forma acuosa y se determinó la capacidad antioxidante y el nivel de Momordicina I por HPLC. Las ratas machos se dividieron en 5 grupos: control, AVP (500 mg/kg de peso corporal), CMC20 / 40 / u 80 mg/kg de peso corporal + AVP . En 30 días experimentales, los animales fueron pretratados con diferentes dosis de CMC durante 20 días antes de la inyección de AVP durante 10 días consecutivos. Se investigó la concentración de espermatozoides, la hormona testosterona y la histología testicular de todos los grupos. Las expresiones de proteínas reguladoras agudas (StAR) fosforiladas con tirosina y esteroidogénicas testiculares se examinaron mediante inmunotransferencia de tipo Western. Los resultados mostraron que CMC contiene TPC (39.24 ± 0.65 ug / mg de ácido de ajo), capacidades antioxidantes (FRAP = 33.08 ± 0.21 ug / mg de ácido ascórbico equivalente, IC50 de DPPH = 389.8 ± 3.20 ug / ml) y momordicina I (404.9 mg) / g CMC). La concentración de esperma en el grupo MCP80 + AVP aumentó en comparación con el grupo AVP. El nivel de testosterona en los grupos tratados con CMC aumentó significativamente. La CMC protegió el daño testicular y pudo prevenir la disminución de StAR y una expresión de proteína fosforilada de 50 kDa en los testículos tratados con AVP. En conclusión, la CMC tiene efectos antioxidantes y puede prevenir la toxicidad reproductiva en ratas machos inducidas por VPA.

Antidepressant activity of aqueous extract of Momordica charantia leaves

Background: Depression is a common debilitating illness contributing to increase in morbidity and mortality worldwide. 20% of all depressed patients are refractory to treatment with available antidepressants at adequate doses. Momordica charantia commonly known as Karela is widely used in Indian cuisine. This study was carried out to evaluate its lesser known Antidepressant activity. The objective of this study is to evaluate the Antidepressant activity of Aqueous extract of Momordica charantia leaves.Methods: This study was done in Department of Pharmacology, JNMC, AMU. Tail Suspension test and 5-Hydroxytrytophan induced Head Potentiation was evaluated in Swiss Albino mice. Forced swim test, Learned Helplessness test and Spontaneous motor activity was noted in Albino Wistar rats respectively at doses of AEMC (Aqueous extract of Momordica charantia leaves) 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg.Results: AEMC at all three doses 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg exhibited antidepressant activity by significantly decreasing the immobility time in Tail Suspension test and except 100mg/kg. In forced swim test psychostimulant activity of AEMC was ruled out in Spontaneous motor activity. Number of Escape failures was decreased in Learned Helplessness test at doses of AEMC 200mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. Increase in Head twitches was seen only with AEMC 300mg/kg in 5-Hydroxytrytophan induced Head Potentiation in mice.Conclusions: Aqueous Extract of Momordica Charantia leaves exhibits Antidepressant activity in animal models of Depression.

A Review Of Hypoglycemic Effect Of Momordica Charantia W.s.r. To Madhumeh

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both processes are involved in the development of diabetes. Diabetes is also known as Madhumeha in Ayurveda. Diabetes Mellitus has become a global problem in spite of advances in modern science. Ancient science of Ayurveda has discussed diabetes at length thousands of years ago. Number of diabetic patients are increasing in very high range. Year by year, its growing speed is very fast. In Ayurveda there are many ways to prevent diabetes mellitus and to cure its complications. Ayurvedic medications and management is very helpful and very effective in specially for diabetes. In this paper, trying to explain the hypoglycemic effect of Momordica (Karela) in diabetes mellitus (Madhumeh). Karela is specifically used as a folk medicine for diabetes. Several researches proved that it contains a hypoglycaemic or insulin-like principle, designated as 'plant-insulin', which has been found highly beneficial in lowering the blood and urine sugar levels.

The effects of bitter gourd saponins on the expression of podocin and nephrin in renal tissues of rats with renal damage induced by salt-sensitive hypertension / 中国医师杂志

Objective To study the therapeutic effect of bitter gourd saponins on salt-sensitive kidney injury induced by high salt diet and its possible mechanism.Methods 50 Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into normal group,model group and low-dose,middle-dose and high-dose treatment group after 10 days of adaptive feeding.Each group had 10 rats.Except the normal group,the other four groups were given high salt diet (4.0％ high salt diet) to induce salt-sensitive kidney damage in rats.The normal group and the model group were given 1.0 m/(kg · d) normal saline,and the three dosage groups of total saponins of balsam pear were given 10 mg/(kg · d),20 mg/(kg · d) and 40 mg/(kg · d) respectively.After 8 weeks of treatment,rats were sacrificed and collect the 24-hour proteinuria,creatinine.Serum creatinine,serum aldosterone,serum sodium and serum potassium were measured,and renal histopathology and the expression of podocin and nephrin were detected.Results Pathological examination of model group showed obvious glomerular sclerosis and renal interstitial fibrosis,and glomerular sclerosis in the treatment group was obviously improved by bitter gourd saponins;The systolic pressure in the model group was 170 mmHg,significantly higher than that of the normal and treatment groups,the systolic blood pressure of the treatment groups were obvious decreased when treated by bitter gourd saponins (P ＜ 0.05);Compared with normal group,serum creatinine and 24 h proteinuria / urine creatinine in model group were significantly increased (P ＜ 0.05),while creatinine clearance rate and aldosterone were significantly decreased (P ＜ 0.05),and the above indexes in bitter gourd saponins treatment group were significantly improved;Compared with the model group,the protein and mRNA expression of podocin and nephrin were significantly decreased (P ＜ 0.05),while the two indexes can be revered by bitter gourd saponins in treatment group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions The bitter gourd saponins can significantly improve the symptoms of salt-induced hypertensive nephropathy in rats,which may be related with the expression of podocin and nephrin in renal tissue,thereby inhibiting glomerulosclerosis and improving renal interstitial fibrosis.

Behavioral defects induced by chronic social defeat stress are protected by momordica charantia polysaccharides via attenuation of JNK3/PI3K/AKT neuroinflammatory pathway / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effects of momordica charantia polysaccharides(MCP)on depressive animal model induced by chronic social defeat stress(CSDS)and explore the underlying mechanisms.METHODS We established CSDS depressant mouse model and treated CSDS mice with MCP.Sucrose preference,forced swim test(FST)and social interaction test(SIT)were used to measure behaviors changes.We used ELISA,Q-PCR and western blot to test the levels of cytokines in the hippocampus. RESULTS The results showed that chronic administration of MCP(100,200 and 400 mg·kg-1)significantly prevented depressive-like behaviors in mice as assessed by social interaction (SIT), tail suspension (TST) and sucrose preference tests (SPT).It was showed that the elevation of proinflammatory cytokines(TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-β)concentra-tions,up-regulation of JNK3,c-Jun,and P-110β protein expressions in the hippocampus of CSDS model. Moreover,reduction activity of PI3K and phosphorylation level of protein kinase B(AKT)was also observed in the hippocampus of CSDS model.All above phenomenon were reversed after MCP intervened.Further-more,the protective effects of MCP on the CSDS mice were partly inhibited by the specific phosphati-dylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)inhibitor, LY294002. CONCLUSION The protective effects of MCP against depressive-like effects in CSDS mice might reduce neuroinflammatory and involve in attenuation of JNK3/PI3K/AKT pathway in the hippocampus.