scholarly journals Emerging Antitumor Activities of the Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia)

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 296-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evandro Fei Fang ◽  
Lynn Froetscher ◽  
Morten Scheibye-Knudsen ◽  
Vilhelm A. Bohr ◽  
Jack Ho Wong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Studies ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Folk Medicine ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Momordica Charantia ◽  
Bitter Melon ◽  
Antitumor Activities ◽  
Medicine Research ◽  
Anti Hiv

Bitter melon or bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) is a common vegetable in Asia and it is distinctive for its bitter taste. As an ingredient in folk medicine, research from different laboratories in recent years supports its potential medicinal applications with anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, anti-HIV activities in both in vitro and animal studies. In this short review, we summarize herein the recent progress in the antitumor aspect of bitter melon with a focus on the underlying molecular mechanisms. Further mechanistic studies as well as clinical trials are necessary to further verify its medicinal applications.

scholarly journals Momordica charantia (bitter melon) reduces plasma apolipoprotein B-100 and increases hepatic insulin receptor substrate and phosphoinositide-3 kinase interactions

2008 ◽  
Vol 100 (4) ◽  
pp. 751-759 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pratibha V. Nerurkar ◽  
Yun Kyung Lee ◽  
Megan Motosue ◽  
Khosrow Adeli ◽  
Vivek R. Nerurkar
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Receptor ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Insulin Signalling ◽  
Plasma Lipid ◽  
Momordica Charantia ◽  
Bitter Melon ◽  
Human Hepatoma Cells ◽  
Signalling Molecules ◽  
Phosphoinositide 3 Kinase

Aqueous extracts or juice from unripened fruit of Momordica charantia (bitter melon) has traditionally been used in the treatment of diabetes and its complications. Insulin resistance is characterized by significant down-regulation of hepatic insulin signalling as documented by attenuated phosphorylation of insulin receptor (IR), IR substrates 1 and 2, phosphoinositide-3 kinase, protein kinase B, and over-expression of phosphotyrosine phosphatase 1B. We recently demonstrated that bitter melon juice (BMJ) is a potent inhibitor of apoB secretion and TAG synthesis and secretion in human hepatoma cells, HepG2, that may be involved in plasma lipid- and VLDL-lowering effects observed in animal studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of BMJ on plasma apoB levels and hepatic insulin signalling cascade in mice fed high-fat diet (HFD). Female C57BL/6 mice (4–6 weeks old) were randomized into three groups receiving regular rodent chow, HFD and HFD+BMJ. The data indicate that BMJ not only improves glucose and insulin tolerance but also lowers plasma apoB-100 and apoB-48 in HFD-fed mice as well as modulates the phosphorylation status of IR and its downstream signalling molecules. Investigating the biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved in amelioration of diabetic dyslipidaemia by BMJ may lead to identification of new molecular targets for dietary/alternative therapies.

scholarly journals Bitter Melon (Momordica Charantia), a Nutraceutical Approach for Cancer Prevention and Therapy

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 2064 ◽  
Author(s):  
Subhayan Sur ◽  
Ratna B. Ray
Keyword(s):  
Crude Extract ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Folk Medicine ◽  
Reactive Oxygen Species Generation ◽  
Momordica Charantia ◽  
Immune Defense ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Bitter Melon ◽  
Glucose And Lipid Metabolism ◽  
Anticancer Effects

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Many dietary plant products show promising anticancer effects. Bitter melon or bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) is a nutrient-rich medicinal plant cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of many countries. Traditionally, bitter melon is used as a folk medicine and contains many bioactive components including triterpenoids, triterpene glycoside, phenolic acids, flavonoids, lectins, sterols and proteins that show potential anticancer activity without significant side effects. The preventive and therapeutic effects of crude extract or isolated components are studied in cell line-based models and animal models of multiple types of cancer. In the present review, we summarize recent progress in testing the cancer preventive and therapeutic activity of bitter melon with a focus on underlying molecular mechanisms. The crude extract and its components prevent many types of cancers by enhancing reactive oxygen species generation; inhibiting cancer cell cycle, cell signaling, cancer stem cells, glucose and lipid metabolism, invasion, metastasis, hypoxia, and angiogenesis; inducing apoptosis and autophagy cell death, and enhancing the immune defense. Thus, bitter melon may serve as a promising cancer preventive and therapeutic agent.

scholarly journals Momordica Charantia (Bitter Melon): Safety and Efficacy During Pregnancy and Lactation

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nkechi Enwerem ◽  
Priscillia Okunji ◽  
Ntekim Oyonumo ◽  
Amos Samson
Keyword(s):  
Animal Studies ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Folk Medicine ◽  
Indirect Evidence ◽  
Momordica Charantia ◽  
Bitter Melon ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Community Health Nurses ◽  
Reproductive Life ◽  
Pregnancy And Lactation

Background: The leaf, fruit ,and bark of Momordica charantia (MC)(Common name. Bitter Melon). (Cucurbitaceae) has been used extensively in folk medicine as a remedy for diabetes. Biological and pharmacological activities attributed to different parts and extracts of these plants include anti-HIV, wound healing, anti-helmintic, anti-genotoxicity, larvicidal, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-obesity, antifertility, anticancer, antidiabetes, antidiarrheal .In Nigeria, a decoction of the leaves or bark is used in folk medicine to manage diabetes. Pregnant and lactating women have been observed, consuming the extract of MC for its folkloric belief as an antidiabetic agent. But its potential for toxicity when administered during pregnancy, lactation and breast feeding has not been completely investigated. The present study was aimed to review the literature for evidence on the use, safety, efficacy and pharmacology of Momordica charantia during pregnancy and lactation.Methods: Seven electronic databases including the Napralert database were searched. Data were compiled based on the grade and evidence found.Results: There were no scientific evidence to support the use of Momordica charantia during pregnancy and lactation. However animal studies in both rodents and primates show that the plant extract, induce abortion. In males, seed extracts of M.charantia, showed indirect evidence of reduced availability of pituitary gonadotrophs necessary for spermatogenesis.Conclusion: Caution should be exercised with the use of Momordica charantia during pregnancy and lactation till human research is conducted to determine its safety. There is a need to be cautious when using preparations containing Momordica charantia. Implications for Nursing: Findings can be utilized by community health nurses and policy makers to advice on the use of Momordica charantia during pregnancy, lactation and in males in their reproductive life.

scholarly journals Several Alkaloids Derived from Plants and Their Underlying Molecular Mechanisms of Action in the Fight Against Cancer

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 83
Author(s):  
Siribhorn Madla ◽  
Potchanapond Graidist
Keyword(s):  
Natural Products ◽  
Anticancer Agents ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Causes Of Death ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Apoptosis Pathways ◽  
Potential Use

Multidrug resistance is one of the major obstacles to successful cancer chemotherapy, which causes cancer to remain one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Therefore, the use of natural products for cancer prevention and therapy has been continuously investigated and developed for decades. Alkaloids are one of the important compounds derived from natural products that have been extensively studied for their potential use as cancer chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic drugs in both in vitro and animal studies. This short review intends to present the molecular mechanisms of action of alkaloids on stimulation and inhibition some signaling molecules involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, metastasis and apoptosis pathways of cancer cells. The understanding of the molecular mechanisms of alkaloids against cancer will provide clues towards a diagnostic, prevention and therapeutic applications. Based on the information provided in this article, alkaloids show remarkable potential as anticancer agents. However, more research and clinical trials are crucial before applying any of these alkaloids as new medicine to treat cancer patients. 

Synthesis, Characterization and anti-HIV and Antitumor Activities of New Coumarin Derivatives

2008 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaseen A. Al-Soud ◽  
Haitham H. Al-Sa’doni ◽  
Houssain A. S. Amajaour ◽  
Kifah S. M. Salih ◽  
Mohammad S. Mubarakb ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
In Vitro Cytotoxicity ◽  
Tumor Cell Lines ◽  
Coumarin Derivatives ◽  
Antitumor Activities ◽  
Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors ◽  
Human T Cells ◽  
Anti Hiv ◽  
Hiv 1

A new series of coumarin and benzofuran derivatives were synthesized as potential non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) by reacting, separately, 4-bromomethylcoumarins, their sulphonyl chlorides, and ethyl 3-(bromomethyl)-6-methoxy-1-benzofuran-2-carboxylate with different imidazoles and their benzo analogs. The antiviral (HIV-1, HIV-2) properties of the newly synthesized compounds were investigated in vitro and all compounds were found to be inactive, except 10 which showed inhibition of HIV-2 with EC50 > 0.51 μgmL−1. The in vitro cytotoxicity of 17 and 19 was assayed against a panel of tumor cell lines consisting of CD4 human T-cells.

scholarly journals Phosphodiesterase-1 Inhibitory Activity of Two Flavonoids Isolated fromPistacia integerrimaJ. L. Stewart Galls

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdur Rauf ◽  
Muhammad Saleem ◽  
Ghias Uddin ◽  
Bina S. Siddiqui ◽  
Haroon Khan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inhibitory Activity ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Methanolic Extract ◽  
Chemical Constituents ◽  
Folk Medicine ◽  
Chemical Characterization ◽  
Active Constituents ◽  
Isolation And Characterization

Pistacia integerrimais one of twenty species among the genusPistacia. Long horn-shaped galls that develop on this plant are harvested and used in Ayurveda and Indian traditional medicine to make “karkatshringi”, a herbal medicine used for the treatment of asthma and different disorders of respiratory tract. However, until now, the molecular mechanisms of action of “karkatshringi” and its chemical characterization are partially known. This study deals with the isolation and characterization of the active constituents from the methanolic extract ofP. integerrimagalls and it was also oriented to evaluatein vitroandin silicotheir potential enzymatic inhibitory activity against phosphodiesterase-1 (PDE1), a well-known enzyme involved in airway smooth muscle activity and airway inflammation. Our results showed that the methanolic extract ofP. integerrimagalls and some of its active constituents [naringenin (1) and 3,5,7,4′-tetrahydroxy-flavanone (2)] are ablein vitroto inhibit PDE1 activity (59.20 ± 4.95%, 75.90 ± 5.90%, and 65.25 ± 5.25%, resp.) and demonstratein silicoan interesting interaction with this enzymatic site. Taken together, our results add new knowledge of chemical constituents responsible for the biological activity ofP. integerrimaand contextually legitimate the use of this plant in folk medicine.

scholarly journals Lichens as a source of chemical compounds with anti-inflammatory activity

2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elżbieta Studzińska-Sroka ◽  
Adrianna Dubino
Keyword(s):  
Animal Studies ◽  
Inflammatory Process ◽  
Folk Medicine ◽  
Chemical Compounds ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Inflammatory Activity ◽  
Medicinal Substances ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Biological Actions

SummarySymptoms of inflammation accompany a number of diseases. In order to mitigate them, folk medicine has used a variety of medicinal substances, including herbs and mushrooms. Lichens are less known organisms, containing specific secondary metabolites with interesting biological properties. One of their biological actions is the anti-inflammatory activity that has been confirmed byin vitroand animal studies. It has been proven that compounds and extracts from lichens inhibit the enzymes involved in the inflammatory process. The following paper is a review of research on the little-known anti-inflammatory properties of lichens.

scholarly journals The Gut Barrier, Intestinal Microbiota, and Liver Disease: Molecular Mechanisms and Strategies to Manage

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (21) ◽  
pp. 8351
Author(s):  
Julio Plaza-Díaz ◽  
Patricio Solís-Urra ◽  
Fernando Rodríguez-Rodríguez ◽  
Jorge Olivares-Arancibia ◽  
Miguel Navarro-Oliveros ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Disease ◽  
Intestinal Microbiota ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Liver disease encompasses pathologies as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, alcohol liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, viral hepatitis, and autoimmune hepatitis. Nowadays, underlying mechanisms associating gut permeability and liver disease development are not well understood, although evidence points to the involvement of intestinal microbiota and their metabolites. Animal studies have shown alterations in Toll-like receptor signaling related to the leaky gut syndrome by the action of bacterial lipopolysaccharide. In humans, modifications of the intestinal microbiota in intestinal permeability have also been related to liver disease. Some of these changes were observed in bacterial species belonging Roseburia, Streptococcus, and Rothia. Currently, numerous strategies to treat liver disease are being assessed. This review summarizes and discusses studies addressed to determine mechanisms associated with the microbiota able to alter the intestinal barrier complementing the progress and advancement of liver disease, as well as the main strategies under development to manage these pathologies. We highlight those approaches that have shown improvement in intestinal microbiota and barrier function, namely lifestyle changes (diet and physical activity) and probiotics intervention. Nevertheless, knowledge about how such modifications are beneficial is still limited and specific mechanisms involved are not clear. Thus, further in-vitro, animal, and human studies are needed.

scholarly journals Natural Compound Methyl Protodioscin Suppresses Proliferation and Inhibits Glycolysis in Pancreatic Cancer

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
LianYu Chen ◽  
Chien-shan Cheng ◽  
HuiFeng Gao ◽  
Ling Zhan ◽  
FengJiao Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Natural Compound ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Bioactive Components ◽  
Antitumor Activities ◽  
In Vivo Assays ◽  
18Fdg Uptake ◽  
Concomitant Reduction

Methyl protodioscin (MPD) is one of the main bioactive components in the plant of Dioscoreaceae. MPD has been demonstrated to possess antitumor activities. However, its role in pancreatic cancer and the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly defined. In the present study, we demonstrated that MPD inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis of pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that MPD decreased oncogene c-Myc in protein level and resulted in concomitant reduction in glycolysis. In vivo assays with xenograft mouse model further confirmed the in vitro observations, which indicated that MPD inhibited 18FDG uptake in tumors formed by subcutaneously injection of MIA PaCa-2 cells. Collectively, our present study uncovered novel antitumor functions of MPD in pancreatic cancer and provided the possible molecular mechanism.

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