Bitter Melon: A Multifunctional Medicinal Plant with Powerful Bioactive Compounds

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fadime Eryılmaz Pehlivan
Keyword(s):  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Folk Medicine ◽  
Bitter Melon ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Life Saving ◽  
The World ◽  
Treatment Of Diabetes

Nature is full of poisons as well as life-saving entities. Extracts of natural products in medicinal plants have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine throughout the World. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is a member of Cucurbitaceae family, widely distributed in tropical regions of the World, that has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, and its fruit has been used as a vegetable for thousands of years. It contains phytochemicals, flavonoids, triterpenes, saponins, ascorbic acid, steroids, proteins, and polysaccharides. This plant is a traditional herbal medicine, possesses various biological, medicinal activities and pharmacological functions, namely antidiabetic, anthelmintic, contraceptive, antimalarial, laxative, antihyperglycemic, antimutagenic, antiulcer, antilipolytic, antifertility, hepatoprotective, anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, immunomodulation, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities of M. charantia have been reported. Its fruit has a special bitter taste, parts of M. charantia, such as fruits, vines, leaves and even roots have been used as folk medicine for the remedy of diseases like toothache, diarrhea, and diabetes. It is also used for the treatment of eczema, gout, jaundice, pneumonia, psoriasis, and rheumatism. These beneficial effects are attributed to the various bioactive components of M. charantia, which are important sources of phytoconstituents used to treat various diseases since ancient times. This chapter reviews various aspects of the results of investigations involving M. charantia in the recent years, providing a comprehensive overview of the phytochemical application of M. charantia to attract more attention to their biological activities for better utilization of M. charantia; focusing on the review of benefits that bitter melon offers in terms of its potential as a source of bioactive compounds and its role in the control of different diseases.

scholarly journals Pinus Species as Prospective Reserves of Bioactive Compounds with Potential Use in Functional Food—Current State of Knowledge

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1306
Author(s):  
Marcin Dziedziński ◽  
Joanna Kobus-Cisowska ◽  
Barbara Stachowiak
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Functional Food ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Food Ingredients ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Pine Tree ◽  
Pine Trees ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Few Data

The pine (Pinus L.) is the largest and most heteromorphic plant genus of the pine family (Pinaceae Lindl.), which grows almost exclusively in the northern hemisphere. The demand for plant-based remedies, supplements and functional food is growing worldwide. Although pine-based products are widely available in many parts of the world, they are almost absent as food ingredients. The literature shows the beneficial effects of pine preparations on human health. Despite the wide geographical distribution of pine trees in the natural environment, there are very few data in the literature on the widespread use of pine in food technology. This study aims to present, characterise and evaluate the content of phytochemicals in pine trees, including shoots, bark and conifer needles, as well as to summarise the available data on their health-promoting and functional properties, and the potential of their use in food and the pharmaceutical industry to support health. Various species of pine tree contain different compositions of bioactive compounds. Regardless of the solvent, method, pine species and plant part used, all pine extracts contain a high number of polyphenols. Pine tree extracts exhibit several described biological activities that may be beneficial to human health. The available examples of the application of pine elements in food are promising. The reuse of residual pine elements is still limited compared to its potential. In this case, it is necessary to conduct more research to find and develop new products and applications of pine residues and by-products.

scholarly journals Bitkilerde Bulunan Fitokimyasalların Biyolojik Aktiviteleri

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 1734-1746
Author(s):  
Tuğba Demir ◽  
Özlem Akpınar
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Synthetic Materials ◽  
Effective Role ◽  
Materials Used ◽  
Antihypertensive Properties

Bioactive compounds, called phytochemicals, are produced as secondary metabolites in plants that have beneficial effects on health when they are consumed as nutrients. Phytochemicals have an effective role in the formation of the color, smell and taste of the plants. As an alternative to the synthetic materials used in the treatment of many chronic diseases, the interest in the use of plants phytochemicals have been increased. This trend has led to the development of a new market. This review includes biological activities of plant phytochemicals including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, antidiabetic, antiinflammatory, anticancer and antihypertensive properties.

scholarly journals Beneficial Role of Bitter Melon Supplementation in Obesity and Related Complications in Metabolic Syndrome

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Ashraful Alam ◽  
Riaz Uddin ◽  
Nusrat Subhan ◽  
Md Mahbubur Rahman ◽  
Preeti Jain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Therapeutic Benefit ◽  
Bitter Melon ◽  
Metabolic Dysfunction ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Alternative Medicines ◽  
Daily Food ◽  
Treatment Of Diabetes

Diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome are becoming epidemic both in developed and developing countries in recent years. Complementary and alternative medicines have been used since ancient era for the treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Bitter melon is widely used as vegetables in daily food in Bangladesh and several other countries in Asia. The fruits extract of bitter melon showed strong antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities in experimental condition bothin vivoandin vitro. Recent scientific evaluation of this plant extracts also showed potential therapeutic benefit in diabetes and obesity related metabolic dysfunction in experimental animals and clinical studies. These beneficial effects are mediated probably by inducing lipid and fat metabolizing gene expression and increasing the function of AMPK and PPARs, and so forth. This review will thus focus on the recent findings on beneficial effect ofMomordica charantiaextracts on metabolic syndrome and discuss its potential mechanism of actions.

Polyoxometalates in Biomedicine: Update and Overview

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 362-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirjana B. Čolović ◽  
Milan Lacković ◽  
Jovana Lalatović ◽  
Ali S. Mougharbel ◽  
Ulrich Kortz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activities ◽  
Transition Metal Ions ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Early Transition Metal ◽  
Biological Targets ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Treatment Of Diabetes

Background: Polyoxometalates (POMs) are negatively charged metal-oxo clusters of early transition metal ions in high oxidation states (e.g., WVI, MoVI, VV). POMs are of interest in the fields of catalysis, electronics, magnetic materials and nanotechnology. Moreover, POMs were shown to exhibit biological activities in vitro and in vivo, such as antitumor, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic. Methods: The literature search for this peer-reviewed article was performed using PubMed and Scopus databases with the help of appropriate keywords. Results: This review gives a comprehensive overview of recent studies regarding biological activities of polyoxometalates, and their biomedical applications as promising anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-tumor, and anti-diabetic agents. Additionally, their putative mechanisms of action and molecular targets are particularly considered. Conclusion: Although a wide range of biological activities of Polyoxometalates (POMs) has been reported, they are to the best of our knowledge not close to a clinical trial or a final application in the treatment of diabetes or infectious and malignant diseases. Accordingly, further studies should be directed towards determining the mechanism of POM biological actions, which would enable fine-tuning at the molecular level, and consequently efficient action towards biological targets and as low toxicity as possible. Furthermore, biomedical studies should be performed on solutionstable POMs employing physiological conditions and concentrations.

Hidden Potential of Doob Grass- An Indian Traditional Drug

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 478-482
Author(s):  
Virmani Reshu ◽  
Virmani Tarun ◽  
Singh Satbir ◽  
Mahlawat Geeta ◽  
Mittal Girish
Keyword(s):  
Cynodon Dactylon ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Dosage Forms ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Grass Family ◽  
The World ◽  
Traditional Drug ◽  
Sodium And Potassium ◽  
Mineral Constituents

Medicinal plants are rich in several potential drugs and it carries healthier and harmless alternate to synthetic system of drugs. Plant Cynodon dactylon (L.) (doob/ bermuda grass) family (Graminae/Poaceae) is one of them. It is a perennial grass circulated all over the world, and particularly it is native to the high temperate and tropical regions. In various states of India doob grass is known by different names like Durva (Marathi), Arukampillu (Tamil), Durba (Bengali), Dhro (Gujarati), Shataparva (Sanskrit), Garichgaddi (Telugu) etc. It is the second most holy plant of Hindu religious after Tulsi (Oscimum sanctum). It has various medicinal values and it is used in the treatment of various types of diseases in the form of various dosage forms like powder, paste or extracts. The plant of C. dactylon has a variety of biological activities like antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial and specially wound healing properties. Furthermore, it has been broadly used in ancient medicines to treat various problems such as hypertension, epilepsy, cough, diarrhoea, headache, cramps, dropsy, dysentery, hemorrhage, hysteria, measles, snakebite, sores, stones urogenital disorders, tumors, and warts (outer growth on the skin). The herb contains crude proteins, carbohydrates, and mineral constituents, oxides of magnesium, phosphorous, calcium, sodium and potassium. The herb has β-sitosterol and β-carotoene, triterpinoids, vitamin C, cartone, palmitic acid, alkaloids, ergonovine and ergonovinine. The aim of this review is to produce an interest for further investigations of the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of this herb.

scholarly journals Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.: A Multi-Benefit Potential to Be Exploited

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 951
Author(s):  
Mafalda Alexandra Silva ◽  
Tânia Gonçalves Albuquerque ◽  
Paula Pereira ◽  
Renata Ramalho ◽  
Filipa Vicente ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Arid Regions ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Prickly Pear ◽  
Opuntia Ficus Indica ◽  
Antioxidant Power ◽  
The World ◽  
Semi Arid

Consumer interest in foods with enhanced nutritional quality has increased in recent years. The nutritional and bioactive characterization of fruits and their byproducts, as well as their use in the formulation of new food products, is advisable, contributing to decrease the global concerns related to food waste and food security. Moreover, the compounds present in these raw materials and the study of their biological properties can promote health and help to prevent some chronic diseases. Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. (prickly pear) is a plant that grows wild in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world, being a food source for ones and a potential for others, but not properly valued. This paper carries out an exhaustive review of the scientific literature on the nutritional composition and bioactive compounds of prickly pear and its constituents, as well as its main biological activities and applications. It is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins and bioactive compounds. Many of its natural compounds have interesting biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic and antimicrobial. The antioxidant power of prickly pear makes it a good candidate as an ingredient of new food products with fascinating properties for health promotion and/or to be used as natural extracts for food, pharmaceutic or cosmetic applications. In addition, it could be a key player in food security in many arid and semi-arid regions of the world, where there are often no more plants.

Hypericum spp.: An Update on the Biological Activities and Metabolic Profiles

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariangela Marrelli ◽  
Giancarlo Statti ◽  
Filomena Conforti
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Herbal Remedies ◽  
Complex Spectrum ◽  
Metabolic Profiles ◽  
Pharmaceutical Applications ◽  
The World ◽  
Hypericum Species

: Plants from the genus Hypericum, one genus of the Hypericaceae family, have attracted a lot of attention for their potential pharmaceutical applications. Most of the studies in the literature focus on H. perforatum L. (common St. John's wort), whose complex spectrum of bioactive compounds makes this species one of the top herbal remedies and supplements in the world. It is also important to compare the studies on other Hypericum species, both from the phytochemical and biological point of view. The aim of this review was to provide an update of most recent studies about biological investigations of plants belonging to Hypericum genus. The metabolic profiles of Hypericum spp. were also discussed in order to present a spectrum of secondary metabolites not previously identified in this genus.

scholarly journals Targeting the SphK-S1P-SIPR Pathway as a Potential Therapeutic Approach for COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (19) ◽  
pp. 7189
Author(s):  
Eileen M McGowan ◽  
Nahal Haddadi ◽  
Najah T. Nassif ◽  
Yiguang Lin
Keyword(s):  
Viral Replication ◽  
Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Vascular Protection ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
The World ◽  
Sphingosine 1 Phosphate ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Psychiatric Complications ◽  
Tract Infections

The world is currently experiencing the worst health pandemic since the Spanish flu in 1918—the COVID-19 pandemic—caused by the coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This pandemic is the world’s third wake-up call this century. In 2003 and 2012, the world experienced two major coronavirus outbreaks, SARS-CoV-1 and Middle East Respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), causing major respiratory tract infections. At present, there is neither a vaccine nor a cure for COVID-19. The severe COVID-19 symptoms of hyperinflammation, catastrophic damage to the vascular endothelium, thrombotic complications, septic shock, brain damage, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), and acute neurological and psychiatric complications are unprecedented. Many COVID-19 deaths result from the aftermath of hyperinflammatory complications, also referred to as the “cytokine storm syndrome”, endotheliitus and blood clotting, all with the potential to cause multiorgan dysfunction. The sphingolipid rheostat plays integral roles in viral replication, activation/modulation of the immune response, and importantly in maintaining vasculature integrity, with sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) and its cognate receptors (SIPRs: G-protein-coupled receptors) being key factors in vascular protection against endotheliitus. Hence, modulation of sphingosine kinase (SphK), S1P, and the S1P receptor pathway may provide significant beneficial effects towards counteracting the life-threatening, acute, and chronic complications associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review provides a comprehensive overview of SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease, prospective vaccines, and current treatments. We then discuss the evidence supporting the targeting of SphK/S1P and S1P receptors in the repertoire of COVID-19 therapies to control viral replication and alleviate the known and emerging acute and chronic symptoms of COVID-19. Three clinical trials using FDA-approved sphingolipid-based drugs being repurposed and evaluated to help in alleviating COVID-19 symptoms are discussed.

scholarly journals Physicochemical characterization, bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of bitter melon

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 397-403
Author(s):  
Guilherme F de L Hercos ◽  
Celso M Belisário ◽  
Anny E de S Alves ◽  
Geisa Priscilla AG Maia ◽  
Maísa D Cavalcante
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Physicochemical Characterization ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Bitter Melon ◽  
Southwest Region ◽  
Treatment Of Diabetes ◽  
Oxidative Processes ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Β Carotene

ABSTRACT The bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is an exotic fruit that has adapted very well to the Brazilian soils, and can be found on practically all regions. Several advantages related to consumption of this fruit can be reported, highlighting its antifungal activity, reduction of glycemic indexes, and also due to the content of natural pigments, such as lycopene and β-carotene, making it promising as a functional food. Based on the demand for foods of this nature, this research aimed at the biometric characterization, physicochemical, bioactive compounds and the pulp and seeds’ antioxidant capacity of bitter melon, collected in the southwest region of Goias. The fruits were collected from plants inside a native vegetation area on Campus Rio Verde at the Instituto Federal Goiano, and the evaluations were carried out from October 2020 to April 2021. The fruits showed high variability in dimensions and weight, high concentrations of flavonoids, tannins, carotenoids, total phenolics and antioxidant capacity. According to results, the bitter melon can be used as a raw material to develop food formulations with functional characteristics and drugs potentially effective in the treatment of diabetes and diseases caused by oxidative processes.

scholarly journals A Review on Golden Species of Zingiberaceae Family Genus Curcuma

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-138
Author(s):  
Abdul Mubasher Furmuly ◽  
Najiba Azemi
Keyword(s):  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Morphological Features ◽  
Bioactive Substances ◽  
Food Preservatives ◽  
Chemical Substances ◽  
Food Industries ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
The World ◽  
Medicinal Properties

The genus Curcuma pertains to the Zingiberaceae family and consists of 70-80 species of perennial rhizomatous herbs. This genus originates in the Indo-Malayan region and it is broadly spread all over the world across tropical and subtropical areas. This study aims to provide more information about morphological features, biological activities, and phytochemicals of genus Curcuma for further advanced research. Because of its use in the medicinal and food industries, Curcuma is an extremely important economic genus. Curcuma species rhizomes are the source of a yellow dye and have traditionally been utilized as spices and food preservatives, as a garnishing agent, and also utilized for the treatment of various illnesses because of the chemical substances found in them. Furthermore, Because of the discovery of new bioactive substances with a broad range of bioactivities, including antioxidants, antivirals, antimicrobials and anti-inflammatory activities, interest in their medicinal properties has increased. Lack of information concerning morphological, phytochemicals, and biological activities is the biggest problem that the researcher encountered. This review recommended that collecting information concerning the Curcuma genus may be providing more opportunities for further advanced studies lead to avoid wasting time and use this information for further research on bioactive compounds which are beneficial in medicinal purposes.

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