Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng (M. cochinchinensis) is a deciduous vine that grows in
Southeast Asia. It is known as gac in Vietnam and as Red Melon in English. Gac is reputed to be extremely benificial
for health and has been widely used as food and folk medicine in Southeast Asia. In China, the seed of M.
cochinchinensis (Chinese name: Mu biezi) is used as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of
various diseases. More than 60 chemical constituents have been isolated from M. cochinchinensis. Modern pharmacological
studies and clinical practice demonstrate that some chemical constituents of M. cochinchinensis
possess wide pharmacological activities, such as anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, etc. This paper
reviews the phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, toxicity, and clinical application of M. cochinchinensis,
aiming to bring new insights into further research and application of this ancient herb.
