DPPH Radical Scavenging Assay, Biological Activities, Nutritional Composition and Quality Parameters of Momordica charantia Seeds Grown in District Charsadda, KPK, Pakistan
The nutritional composition, physicochemical characteristics, antimicrobial activity and DPPHfree radical scavenging activity of the oil extracted and proximate and elemental composition of seed cakeof the local variety of Momordica charantia were examined as per AOAC or elsewhere mentionedprocedures. Physicochemical properties of the oil exhibited colour (1.71 R/U, 1.19 Y/U) being reddishbrown, the higher iodine value (105.5), saponification value (190.7), low acid value (1.3) and the higherproportion of unsaturated fatty acids (especially the omega-3 fatty acid) as compared to saturated fattyacids of the oil are an indication of its edibility and industrial utility. The oil also showed good inhibitoryaction against the selected fungal and bacterial strains as well as DPPH free radical scavenging activity.Results of the proximate composition of the seed cake showed it to be good source of total proteins (18.17%), crude fibre 10.37%, percent oil (38.1%) and elements such as calcium (374.9 mg/100 g), copper(3.01 mg/100 g), iron (39.57 mg/100 g) and zinc (12.04 mg/100 g). It can be concluded from the studythat oil and seed cake of the local variety of bitter gourd seed (BGS) oil possesses a good nutritional,antioxidant and antimicrobial potential.