Momordica charantia extract modulates inflammatory response in human lymphocytes via suppression of TNF-a / El extracto de Momordica charantia modula la respuesta inflamatoria en linfocitos humanos a través de la supresión de TNF-a

Introducción: Momordica charantia L. es ampliamente utilizada para consumo y medicina tradicional debido a sus actividades biológicas. Sin embargo, se sabe poco sobre los efectos del melón amargo en las células sanas. Por lo tanto, nuestro objetivo fue evaluar los efectos del extracto de Momordica charantia en linfocitos humanos aislados, especialmente en aspectos inflamatorios, citotóxicos, genotóxicos y mutagénicos. Método : Para ello se preparó un extracto hidroetanólico con frutos y semillas y se procedió a la identificación y cuantificación fitoquímica. Los linfocitos humanos purificados se expusieron a 12,5; 25; 50 μg/mL de extracto de Momordica charantia durante 24 horas y después de este período. Resultados : Los datos mostraron que el extracto de Momordica charantia no indujo citotoxicidad, alteraciones en la frecuencia de micronúcleos, ni actividad de interleucina-6, interleucina-10 ciclooxigenasa-2 y producción de óxido nítrico; sin embargo, causó daño en el ADN y una disminución de TNF-α en las condiciones experimentales y células aplicadas. Conclusiones : Nuestros datos proponen un proceso antiinflamatorio generado por Momordica charantia mediado por la reducción de TNF-α. (AU)

Introduction: Momordica charantia L. is widely used for consumption and traditional medicine due to its biolog-ical activities. Nevertheless, little is known about the effects of bitter melon on healthy cells. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the effects of Momordica charantia extract in human isolated lymphocytes, especially on inflammatory, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity aspects. Method: For this, we prepared a hydroethanolic extract with fruits and seeds and proceeded with phytochemical identification and quantification. The human purified lymphocytes were exposed to 12.5, 25, and 50 μg/mL of Mo-mordica charantia extract for 24h and, after this period. Results: The data showed that the Momordica charantia extract did not induce cytotoxicity, micronucleus frequen-cy alterations, or interleukin-6, interleukin-10 cyclooxygenase-2 activity and the production of nitric oxide; however, it caused DNA damage and a decrease of TNF-α under the experimental conditions and cells applied. Conclusions: Our data propose an anti-inflammatory process generated by Momordica charantia mediated by TNF-α reduction. (AU)

Acute interstitial nephritis associated with ingesting a Momordica charantia extract: A case report.

RATIONALE: Momordica charantia is often used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus in Korea. Drug-induced acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) accounts for 60% to 70% of AIN cases. However, only 1 case of AIN associated with ingesting M charantia has been reported in the English literature. We report an extremely rare case of AIN that occurred after a patient ingested a pure M charantia extract over 7 months. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 60-year-old Korean woman was admitted to our hospital for a renal biopsy. Her renal function had decreased gradually over the last 9 months without symptoms or signs. DIAGNOSIS: Her blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels were 29.7 mg/dL (range: 8.0-20.0 mg/dL) and 1.45 mg/dL (range: 0.51-0.95 mg/dL) on admission. Renal histology indicated AIN; there was immune cell infiltration into the interstitium, tubulitis, and epithelial casts, although the glomeruli were largely intact. INTERVENTIONS: M charantia was discontinued and prednisolone was prescribed. OUTCOMES: The value of serum creatinine has almost been restored to the baseline level after 3 months. CONCLUSION: s: This is the first case report of AIN associated with the ingestion of a pure M charantia extract. Recognition of the possible adverse effects of these agents by physicians is very important for early diagnosis and appropriate management.

An in vitro study on the risk of non-allergic type-I like hypersensitivity to Momordica charantia.

BACKGROUND: Momordica charantia (MC) is a tropical plant that is extensively used in folk medicine. However, the knowledge about side effects of this plant is relatively little according to knowledge about its therapeutic effects. The aim of this study is to reveal the effects of non-allergic type-I like hypersensitivity to MC by an experiment which was designed in vitro. METHODS: In the present study, the expression of CD63 and CD203c on peripheral blood basophils against different dilutions of MC extracts was measured using flow cytometry and compared with one another. In addition to this, intra-assay CV's of testing extracts were calculated for precision on reproducibility of test results. RESULTS: It was observed that the fruit extract of MC at 1/100 and 1/1000 dilutions significantly increased active basophils compared to same extract at 1/10000 dilution. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, Momordica charantia may elicit a non-allergic type-I like hypersensitivity reaction in especially susceptible individuals.

Targeting metabolic syndrome: candidate natural agents.

Following on from impressive economic development and urbanization, China is currently experiencing a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Patients with metabolic syndrome suffer from the "The Deadly Quartet" of hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, and central (or upper body) obesity. Current treatment strategies directed towards metabolic syndrome tend to be limited to just one of these four conditions, so developing novel drugs to target multiple metabolic abnormalities could be preferable to current approaches. New insights suggest benefits of natural agents as treatments for metabolic syndrome. Herein, we review the evidence for using nine such agents developed on the basis of traditional medicine or herbal preparations.

Anti-diabetic and hypoglycaemic effects of Momordica charantia (bitter melon): a mini review.

It has been estimated that up to one-third of patients with diabetes mellitus use some form of complementary and alternative medicine. Momordica charantia (bitter melon) is a popular fruit used for the treatment of diabetes and related conditions amongst the indigenous populations of Asia, South America, India and East Africa. Abundant pre-clinical studies have documented the anti-diabetic and hypoglycaemic effects of M. charantia through various postulated mechanisms. However, clinical trial data with human subjects are limited and flawed by poor study design and low statistical power. The present article reviews the clinical data regarding the anti-diabetic potentials of M. charantia and calls for better-designed clinical trials to further elucidate its possible therapeutic effects.

Bitter gourd (Momordica Charantia): A dietary approach to hyperglycemia.

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) is a vegetable with pantropical distribution. It contains substances with antidiabetic properties such as charantin, vicine, and polypeptide-p, as well as other unspecific bioactive components such as antioxidants. Metabolic and hypoglycemic effects of bitter gourd extracts have been demonstrated in cell culture, animal, and human studies. The mechanism of action, whether it is via regulation of insulin release or altered glucose metabolism and its insulin-like effect, is still under debate. Adverse effects are also known. Nevertheless, bitter gourd has the potential to become a component of the diet or a dietary supplement for diabetic and prediabetic patients. Well-designed interdisciplinary research by nutritionists, medical doctors, and agronomists is needed before a dietary recommendation can be given and a product brought to the market.