African Journal of
Biotechnology

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Biotechnol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1684-5315
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJB
  • Start Year: 2002
  • Published Articles: 12486

Review

Phytochemical profile and biological activities of Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae): A review

Mozaniel Santana de Oliveira
  • Mozaniel Santana de Oliveira
  • LABEX, Faculty of Food Engineering (FEA), Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Para, Rua Augusto Corrêa S/N, Guamá, 66075-900 Belém, Pará, Brazil.
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Wanessa Almeida da Costa
  • Wanessa Almeida da Costa
  • Natural Resources Engineering, Federal University of Para, Rua Augusto Corrêa S/N, Guamá, 66075-900 Belém, Pará, Brazil.
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Fernanda Wariss Figueiredo Bezerra
  • Fernanda Wariss Figueiredo Bezerra
  • LABEX, Faculty of Food Engineering (FEA), Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Para, Rua Augusto Corrêa S/N, Guamá, 66075-900 Belém, Pará, Brazil.
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Marilena Emmi Araújo
  • Marilena Emmi Araújo
  • LABEX, Faculty of Food Engineering (FEA), Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Para, Rua Augusto Corrêa S/N, Guamá, 66075-900 Belém, Pará, Brazil.
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Gracialda Costa Ferreira
  • Gracialda Costa Ferreira
  • Institute of Forestry Sciences, Federal Rural University of Amazon, Av. Pres. Tancredo Neves, 2501 S/N, Terra Firme, 66053100 - Belém, PA, Brazil.
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Raul Nunes de Carvalho Junior
  • Raul Nunes de Carvalho Junior
  • LABEX, Faculty of Food Engineering (FEA), Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Para, Rua Augusto Corrêa S/N, Guamá, 66075-900 Belém, Pará, Brazil.
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  •  Received: 20 December 2017
  •  Accepted: 05 March 2018
  •  Published: 04 July 2018

Abstract

This study discusses the bioactive composition, supercritical fluid extraction and biological activities of Momordica charantia L. from the last five years. Numerous compounds that have been identified in the extracts of M. charantia, including phytosterols, terpenoids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, phenolic acids and flavonoids were also discussed. Although, several studies reported the use of organic solvents in the extraction of these compounds, this review emphasized on supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), good selectivity, varied fractions in terms of mass yields and chemical composition obtained, in addition to providing a solvent-free extract. Moreover, the biological effects of M. charantia extracts, including their antidiabetic, neuroprotective, anti-obesogenic, antimalarial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and allelopathic activities, were discussed. These biological effects of the extracts of M. charantia can directly affect human health. The findings of this review are important, as they can guide future studies related to obtaining bioactive compounds from M. charantia and its applications.

Key words: Bitter melon, supercritical fluid, bioactive compounds, biological activities.

Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article.

This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0

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