Nature is a rich source of medicinal plants and their products that are useful for treatment of various diseases and disorders. Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter melon or bitter gourd, is one of such plant...Nature is a rich source of medicinal plants and their products that are useful for treatment of various diseases and disorders. Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter melon or bitter gourd, is one of such plants known for its biological activities used in traditional system of medicines. This plant is cultivated in all over the world, including tropical areas of Asia, Amazon, east Africa, and the Caribbean and used as a vegetable as well as folk medicine. All parts of the plant, including the fruit, are commonly consumed and cooked with different vegetables, stir-fried, stuffed or used in small quantities in soups or beans to give a slightly bitter flavor and taste. The plant is reported to possess anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, anti-obesity, and immunomodulatory activities. The plant extract inhibits cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, autophagy and inhibiting cancer stem cells. The plant is rich in bioactive chemical constituents like cucurbitane type triterpenoids, triterpene glycosides, phenolic acids, flavonoids, essential oils, saponins, fatty acids, and proteins. Some of the isolated compounds （Kuguacin J, Karaviloside XI, Kuguaglycoside C, Momordicoside Q-U, Charantin, a-eleostearic acid） and proteins （a-Momorcharin, RNase MC2, MAP30） possess potent biological activity. In the present review, we are summarizing the anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities of Momordica charantia along with a short account of important chemical constituents, providing a basis for establishing detail biological activities of the plant and developing novel drug molecules based on the active chemical constituents.展开更多
Two new cucurbitane-type triterpenoids,（23E）-5β,19-epoxycucurbita-6,23,25-triene-3β-ol（1） and（19R,23E）-5/β,19-epoxy- 19-ethoxycucurbita-6,23-diene^3β,25-diol（2）,together with three known compounds,have bee...Two new cucurbitane-type triterpenoids,（23E）-5β,19-epoxycucurbita-6,23,25-triene-3β-ol（1） and（19R,23E）-5/β,19-epoxy- 19-ethoxycucurbita-6,23-diene^3β,25-diol（2）,together with three known compounds,have been isolated from the fruit of Momordica charantia L.Their structures were determined on the basis of spectral analysis.Their cytotoxic activity was tested on 5 cancer cell lines,MCF-7,HepG2,Dul45,Colon205 and HL-60 by MTT assay.Compounds 1,3 and 4 showed weak cytotoxicity.展开更多
Objective To study the chemical constituents in the acid-hydrolyzed ethanol extract from Momordica charantia.Methods The ethanol extract from M.charantia was hydrolyzed by 36%HCl and the hydrolysate was isolated by si...Objective To study the chemical constituents in the acid-hydrolyzed ethanol extract from Momordica charantia.Methods The ethanol extract from M.charantia was hydrolyzed by 36%HCl and the hydrolysate was isolated by silica gel column chromatography and preparative HPLC.The structures of the isolated compounds were identified by spectral analyses,physical constants,and chemical evidences.Results Two cucurbitane triterpenoids were isolated and identified as 5β,19-epoxy-cucurbita-6,22E,24-trien-3β-ol(1)and cucurbita-6,22(E),24-trien-3β-ol-19,5β-olide(2).Conclusion Compound 1 is a new compound.展开更多
Seeds of a Chinese traditional medicine plant, Cochinchina momordica were used in the present study for the improvement of influenza vaccine （HSN 1） in chicken. Crude extraction from Cochinchina momordica seed （ECM...Seeds of a Chinese traditional medicine plant, Cochinchina momordica were used in the present study for the improvement of influenza vaccine （HSN 1） in chicken. Crude extraction from Cochinchina momordica seed （ECMS） was obtained by ethanol extraction method. In experiment No. 1, two weeks old chickens were immunized with influenza vaccine （HSN1） alone or combined with ECMS （5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 μg/dose）. Serum IgG antibody levels （by ELISA） as well as effects on dally weight gain were measured on 0, 7, 14 and 28th day after immunization. Results revealed that all ECMS groups numerically increased the antibody levels while 10 and 20 μg/dose groups significantly （P〈0.05） enhanced total IgG antibody on day 28, when compared with control. Average daily weight gain was also significantly higher in 20 μg/dose ECMS group. Adjuvant effect was also confirmed in experiment No. 2 when chickens were immunized with 20 μg/dose ECMS and antibody titer was measured through hemagglutination inhibition （HI）. It is concluded that ECMS has potential to improve the immune responses and deserve further study as an adjuvant.展开更多
With the bioguided fractionation of the ethanol extracts from the leaves of Momordica charantia, we obtained two most active compounds against the feeding of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella larvae. The antif...With the bioguided fractionation of the ethanol extracts from the leaves of Momordica charantia, we obtained two most active compounds against the feeding of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella larvae. The antifeedant activity of momordicine Ⅰ and momordicine Ⅱ against the second and the third instar larvae of Plutella xylostella were tested using leaf discs of cabbage in the laboratory. The results showed that momordicin Ⅰ and momordicin Ⅱ had significant antifeedant activity on the larvae of P. xylostella, and momordicin Ⅱ was more active than momordicin Ⅰ. The concentrations for 50% antifeedant effects （AFC50） of momordicin Ⅱ against the second and the third instar larvae of P. xylostella were 76.69 and 116.24μg mL^-1, whereas that of momordicin I was 144.08 and 168.42μg mL^-1, respectively. In addition, momordicin Ⅰ and momordicin Ⅱ had significant inhibitive effect on the rate of weight gain and survival of P. xylostella larvae.展开更多
Plants with potential therapeutic values have been used from time immemorial to cure various ailments and infectious diseases.Of late,scientific evidences have been provided on the potential therapeutic agent exhibite...Plants with potential therapeutic values have been used from time immemorial to cure various ailments and infectious diseases.Of late,scientific evidences have been provided on the potential therapeutic agent exhibited by certain traditionally used vegetable extracts.The importance of wild edible plants may be traced to antiquity but systemic studies are recent.All the Momordica species have been consumed as vegetable and traditionally used for various disorders.The whole plant parts are ascribed to possess the anti-diabetic effect in traditional medicinal system.The active constituents of Momordica plant parts were cucurbitane type triterpenoids,phenolics,glycosides,and several kinds of peptides including Momordica anti-HIV protein(MAP 30).Recent reports revealed the presence of several kinds of cucurbitane type triterpenoids in leaf,stem and fruits of Momordica species having several pharmacological activities.There is lack of scientific information available on the wild species which also having several bioactive components with potential activities.So the present review compares and highlights the current knowledge of the nutritional value,phytochemistry and physiological effects of wild species with known variety.展开更多
The present study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of the methanolic fruit extract of Momordica cymbalaria （MFMC） on PPARγ, （Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor gamma） and GLUT-4 （Glucose transpor...The present study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of the methanolic fruit extract of Momordica cymbalaria （MFMC） on PPARγ, （Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor gamma） and GLUT-4 （Glucose transporter-4） with respect to glucose transport. Various concentrations of MFMC ranging from 62.5 to 500 μg·mL^-1 were evaluated for glucose uptake activity in vitro using L6 myotubes, rosiglitazone was used as a reference standard. The MFMC showed significant and dose-dependent increase in glucose uptake at the tested concentrations, further, the glucose uptake activity of MFMC （500 μg·mL^-1） was comparable with rosigilitazone. Furthermore, MFMC has shown up-regulation of GLUT-4 and PPARy gene expressions in L6 myotubes. In addition, the MFMC when incubated along with cycloheximide （CHX）, which is a protein synthesis inhibitor, has shown complete blockade of glucose uptake. This indicates that new protein synthesis is required for increased GLUT-4 translocation. In conclusion, these findings suggest that MFMC is enhancing the glucose uptake significantly and dose dependently through the enhanced expression of PPARμ and GLUT-4 in vitro.展开更多
This study was undertaken to evaluate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect of Momordica charantia (wild and hybrid variety) powder on alloxan induced type 2 diabetic male Long-Evans rats. Oral feeding of the M. c...This study was undertaken to evaluate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect of Momordica charantia (wild and hybrid variety) powder on alloxan induced type 2 diabetic male Long-Evans rats. Oral feeding of the M. charantia powder slightly decreased serum total cholesterol, triglyceride levels and LDL-cholesterol compared with wild, hybrid and standard drug. M. charantia wild variety showed more significant (p M. charantia did not show any significant effect on HDL-cholesterol and liver glycogen. Thus, results of the study prove that the wild variety of M. charantia fruit have potent antidiabetic and antilipidemic property.展开更多
Momordica Charantia (MC) is one of the most famous traditional plant worldwide, used for the treatment of diabetes and its complications. In the present study possible protective effect of MC in Streptozotocin (STZ) i...Momordica Charantia (MC) is one of the most famous traditional plant worldwide, used for the treatment of diabetes and its complications. In the present study possible protective effect of MC in Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic neuropathy in mice was evaluated. STZ induced diabetic mice were orally administered MC at various doses (200 - 800 mg/kg) for six weeks. Diabetes induced neuropathic pain was assessed by hot plate test, formalin test and tail flick test at the beginning and end of the study. Serum TBARS, NO and SOD levels were estimated at the end of the study as the markers of oxidative-nitrosative stress. Rotarod test was employed to assess the effect of treatment on motor coordination. The results showed that STZ induced diabetes significantly decreased the pain threshold as was indicated by increased flinching in formalin test and decreased withdrawal latency in hot plate and tail flick tests. Oxidative-nitrosative stress was significantly increased in diabetic animals. Chronic administration of MC significantly attenuated diabetes induced increase in flinches and decrease in withdrawal latency without impacting sensory and motor functions. MC administration also exhibited dose dependant reduction of hyperglycemia and serum TBARS, NO and SOD levels in diabetic mice. The results suggest that long term use of MC protects against diabetes induced neuropathy in association with attenuation of hyperglycemia and oxidative-nitrosative stress.展开更多
The study was conducted to investigate the optimal hormone treatment for rooting in bitter melon and the effect of defoliation on rooting and polyamine levels. Commercial preparation (diluted 1:10 and 1:20) gave exten...The study was conducted to investigate the optimal hormone treatment for rooting in bitter melon and the effect of defoliation on rooting and polyamine levels. Commercial preparation (diluted 1:10 and 1:20) gave extensive rooting within five days after treatment. The presence of leaf with the stem cutting was necessary for optimal rooting as defoliation drastically reduced rooting even when the rooting time was extended from 5 to 10 days. The presence of leaf also promoted the levels of putrescine three days after the hormone treatment just at the time of root emergence. Cuttings that did not have leaf did not show an increase in putrescine levels and did not produce roots. Spermidine levels also increased in the cuttings that rooted but there was no change in the levels of spermine in the cuttings that rooted. It appears that putrescine and spermidine play a role in regulating rooting in bitter melon cuttings. The vegetative propagation conditions described show that it is a practically viable technique for small growers to produce large number of plantlets at the farm for selection and cultivation.展开更多
Obesity has been found to be associated with increased incidence of various metabolic disorders. Anti-obesity interventions are therefore urgently needed. An earlier study has demonstrated that treatment with an herba...Obesity has been found to be associated with increased incidence of various metabolic disorders. Anti-obesity interventions are therefore urgently needed. An earlier study has demonstrated that treatment with an herbal formula MCC, which comprises the fruit of Momordica charantia (MC), the pericarpium of Citri reticulate (CR) and L-carnitine (CA), reduced the weight gain in high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. In the present study, we investigated the effect of long-term treatment with MCC (6 g/kg/day × 40 doses) and various combinations of its constituents in HFD-fed female ICR mice. Body weight change was monitored during the course of the experiment. Total and differential adiposity, plasma lipid contents, metabolic enzyme activities and mitochondrial coupling efficiency in skeletal muscle were measured. Glucose homeostasis was also assessed. Results showed that HFD increased the body weight, total and differential adiposity, and plasma lipid contents as well as impaired metabolic status in skeletal muscle and glucose homeostasis. MCC and all combinations of its constituents reduced the weight gain in HFD-fed mice, which was accompanied with an improvement on glucose homeostasis. While MC, CA and CR independently suppressed the HFD-induced weight gain in mice, MC seems to be the most effective in weight reduction, all of which correlated with the induction of mitochondrial uncoupling in skeletal muscle. Only CA and CR, but not MC, significantly reduced the total adiposity and visceral adiposity as well as plasma cholesterol level. However, the two component combinations, MC + CR and MC + CA, decreased the degree of visceral adiposity and plasma cholesterol level, respectively. MCC treatment at 1.5 g/kg (but not a higher dose of 6 g/kg) suppressed visceral adiposity and induced mitochondrial uncoupling in skeletal muscle in HFD-fed mice. The finding suggests that MCC may offer a promising prospect for ameliorating the diet-induced obesity and metabolic disorders in humans.展开更多
[ Objectives] This study was conducted to screen the temperature index most suitable for identification of cold tolerance in bitter gourd （Momordica charantia L. ） at bud and seedling stages. [ Methods] With six dif...[ Objectives] This study was conducted to screen the temperature index most suitable for identification of cold tolerance in bitter gourd （Momordica charantia L. ） at bud and seedling stages. [ Methods] With six different bitter gourd germplasms as experimental materials, the cold tolerance at bud and seedling stages were identified and evaluated. [ Results] At 18℃ , the largest change range of germination potential among different gernlplasms was 11.3% -96.0%, and the largest change range of germination rate was 13.3% - 100.0% ; and the six germplasms could be divided into three grades of cold tolerance. Therefore, 18 9C is an ideal temperature for the identification of cold tolerance in bitter gourd germplasms at bud stage. At 20℃, the cold tolerance in bitter gourd germplasms at bud stage could also be divided into three grades, and the change ranges of germination potential and germination rate were larger than 50.0%, so 20℃ could serve as the candidate temperature for the identification of cold tolerance in bitter gourd germplasms at bud stage. After 1 d of treatment at 6℃, the six bitter gourd germplasms could be divided into three grades, and the cold injury index had the largest range of 20.31 - 84.38 and could serve as the temperature index for the identification of cold tolerance in bitter gourd at seedling stage. [ Conclusions] This study will provide reference for the identification of cold tolerance in bitter gourd at bud stage and seedling stage.展开更多
One new cucurbitane-type triterpenoid saponin, 5β,19-epoxycucurbita-6,23-diene-3β,19,25-triol-3-O-β-D-allopyranoside （1）,named momordicoside P was isolated from the fresh fruits ofMomordica charantia. The structu...One new cucurbitane-type triterpenoid saponin, 5β,19-epoxycucurbita-6,23-diene-3β,19,25-triol-3-O-β-D-allopyranoside （1）,named momordicoside P was isolated from the fresh fruits ofMomordica charantia. The structure of the saponin was elucidated by spectral methods, including 2D-NMR spectra.展开更多
基金supported by NIH Grants CA182872 and CA190291 to S.Anant.S.Anant is an Eminent Scientist of the Kansas Biosciences Authority
文摘Nature is a rich source of medicinal plants and their products that are useful for treatment of various diseases and disorders. Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter melon or bitter gourd, is one of such plants known for its biological activities used in traditional system of medicines. This plant is cultivated in all over the world, including tropical areas of Asia, Amazon, east Africa, and the Caribbean and used as a vegetable as well as folk medicine. All parts of the plant, including the fruit, are commonly consumed and cooked with different vegetables, stir-fried, stuffed or used in small quantities in soups or beans to give a slightly bitter flavor and taste. The plant is reported to possess anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, anti-obesity, and immunomodulatory activities. The plant extract inhibits cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, autophagy and inhibiting cancer stem cells. The plant is rich in bioactive chemical constituents like cucurbitane type triterpenoids, triterpene glycosides, phenolic acids, flavonoids, essential oils, saponins, fatty acids, and proteins. Some of the isolated compounds （Kuguacin J, Karaviloside XI, Kuguaglycoside C, Momordicoside Q-U, Charantin, a-eleostearic acid） and proteins （a-Momorcharin, RNase MC2, MAP30） possess potent biological activity. In the present review, we are summarizing the anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities of Momordica charantia along with a short account of important chemical constituents, providing a basis for establishing detail biological activities of the plant and developing novel drug molecules based on the active chemical constituents.
基金supported by E&T Modern Center for Natural Products of Liaoning Province of China (No.2008402021)
文摘Two new cucurbitane-type triterpenoids,（23E）-5β,19-epoxycucurbita-6,23,25-triene-3β-ol（1） and（19R,23E）-5/β,19-epoxy- 19-ethoxycucurbita-6,23-diene^3β,25-diol（2）,together with three known compounds,have been isolated from the fruit of Momordica charantia L.Their structures were determined on the basis of spectral analysis.Their cytotoxic activity was tested on 5 cancer cell lines,MCF-7,HepG2,Dul45,Colon205 and HL-60 by MTT assay.Compounds 1,3 and 4 showed weak cytotoxicity.
基金National New Drug Incubation(Benxi)Base Construction of Liaoning Province(2010ZX09401-304-105B)the Doctoral InitiatingFoundation Project of Liaoning Province(20101108)
文摘Objective To study the chemical constituents in the acid-hydrolyzed ethanol extract from Momordica charantia.Methods The ethanol extract from M.charantia was hydrolyzed by 36%HCl and the hydrolysate was isolated by silica gel column chromatography and preparative HPLC.The structures of the isolated compounds were identified by spectral analyses,physical constants,and chemical evidences.Results Two cucurbitane triterpenoids were isolated and identified as 5β,19-epoxy-cucurbita-6,22E,24-trien-3β-ol(1)and cucurbita-6,22(E),24-trien-3β-ol-19,5β-olide(2).Conclusion Compound 1 is a new compound.
基金Project(No.2004C32047) supported by the Department of Scienceand Technology of Zhejiang Province,China
文摘Seeds of a Chinese traditional medicine plant, Cochinchina momordica were used in the present study for the improvement of influenza vaccine （HSN 1） in chicken. Crude extraction from Cochinchina momordica seed （ECMS） was obtained by ethanol extraction method. In experiment No. 1, two weeks old chickens were immunized with influenza vaccine （HSN1） alone or combined with ECMS （5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 μg/dose）. Serum IgG antibody levels （by ELISA） as well as effects on dally weight gain were measured on 0, 7, 14 and 28th day after immunization. Results revealed that all ECMS groups numerically increased the antibody levels while 10 and 20 μg/dose groups significantly （P〈0.05） enhanced total IgG antibody on day 28, when compared with control. Average daily weight gain was also significantly higher in 20 μg/dose ECMS group. Adjuvant effect was also confirmed in experiment No. 2 when chickens were immunized with 20 μg/dose ECMS and antibody titer was measured through hemagglutination inhibition （HI）. It is concluded that ECMS has potential to improve the immune responses and deserve further study as an adjuvant.
基金the grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (39930120)
文摘With the bioguided fractionation of the ethanol extracts from the leaves of Momordica charantia, we obtained two most active compounds against the feeding of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella larvae. The antifeedant activity of momordicine Ⅰ and momordicine Ⅱ against the second and the third instar larvae of Plutella xylostella were tested using leaf discs of cabbage in the laboratory. The results showed that momordicin Ⅰ and momordicin Ⅱ had significant antifeedant activity on the larvae of P. xylostella, and momordicin Ⅱ was more active than momordicin Ⅰ. The concentrations for 50% antifeedant effects （AFC50） of momordicin Ⅱ against the second and the third instar larvae of P. xylostella were 76.69 and 116.24μg mL^-1, whereas that of momordicin I was 144.08 and 168.42μg mL^-1, respectively. In addition, momordicin Ⅰ and momordicin Ⅱ had significant inhibitive effect on the rate of weight gain and survival of P. xylostella larvae.
基金The authors wish to thank University Grants Commission(UGC),New Delhi,India(F.No.34-259\2008)for the financial assistance.
文摘Plants with potential therapeutic values have been used from time immemorial to cure various ailments and infectious diseases.Of late,scientific evidences have been provided on the potential therapeutic agent exhibited by certain traditionally used vegetable extracts.The importance of wild edible plants may be traced to antiquity but systemic studies are recent.All the Momordica species have been consumed as vegetable and traditionally used for various disorders.The whole plant parts are ascribed to possess the anti-diabetic effect in traditional medicinal system.The active constituents of Momordica plant parts were cucurbitane type triterpenoids,phenolics,glycosides,and several kinds of peptides including Momordica anti-HIV protein(MAP 30).Recent reports revealed the presence of several kinds of cucurbitane type triterpenoids in leaf,stem and fruits of Momordica species having several pharmacological activities.There is lack of scientific information available on the wild species which also having several bioactive components with potential activities.So the present review compares and highlights the current knowledge of the nutritional value,phytochemistry and physiological effects of wild species with known variety.
基金supported by Padmashree Institute of Information Sciences,Bangalore
文摘The present study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of the methanolic fruit extract of Momordica cymbalaria （MFMC） on PPARγ, （Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor gamma） and GLUT-4 （Glucose transporter-4） with respect to glucose transport. Various concentrations of MFMC ranging from 62.5 to 500 μg·mL^-1 were evaluated for glucose uptake activity in vitro using L6 myotubes, rosiglitazone was used as a reference standard. The MFMC showed significant and dose-dependent increase in glucose uptake at the tested concentrations, further, the glucose uptake activity of MFMC （500 μg·mL^-1） was comparable with rosigilitazone. Furthermore, MFMC has shown up-regulation of GLUT-4 and PPARy gene expressions in L6 myotubes. In addition, the MFMC when incubated along with cycloheximide （CHX）, which is a protein synthesis inhibitor, has shown complete blockade of glucose uptake. This indicates that new protein synthesis is required for increased GLUT-4 translocation. In conclusion, these findings suggest that MFMC is enhancing the glucose uptake significantly and dose dependently through the enhanced expression of PPARμ and GLUT-4 in vitro.
文摘This study was undertaken to evaluate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect of Momordica charantia (wild and hybrid variety) powder on alloxan induced type 2 diabetic male Long-Evans rats. Oral feeding of the M. charantia powder slightly decreased serum total cholesterol, triglyceride levels and LDL-cholesterol compared with wild, hybrid and standard drug. M. charantia wild variety showed more significant (p M. charantia did not show any significant effect on HDL-cholesterol and liver glycogen. Thus, results of the study prove that the wild variety of M. charantia fruit have potent antidiabetic and antilipidemic property.
文摘Momordica Charantia (MC) is one of the most famous traditional plant worldwide, used for the treatment of diabetes and its complications. In the present study possible protective effect of MC in Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic neuropathy in mice was evaluated. STZ induced diabetic mice were orally administered MC at various doses (200 - 800 mg/kg) for six weeks. Diabetes induced neuropathic pain was assessed by hot plate test, formalin test and tail flick test at the beginning and end of the study. Serum TBARS, NO and SOD levels were estimated at the end of the study as the markers of oxidative-nitrosative stress. Rotarod test was employed to assess the effect of treatment on motor coordination. The results showed that STZ induced diabetes significantly decreased the pain threshold as was indicated by increased flinching in formalin test and decreased withdrawal latency in hot plate and tail flick tests. Oxidative-nitrosative stress was significantly increased in diabetic animals. Chronic administration of MC significantly attenuated diabetes induced increase in flinches and decrease in withdrawal latency without impacting sensory and motor functions. MC administration also exhibited dose dependant reduction of hyperglycemia and serum TBARS, NO and SOD levels in diabetic mice. The results suggest that long term use of MC protects against diabetes induced neuropathy in association with attenuation of hyperglycemia and oxidative-nitrosative stress.
文摘The study was conducted to investigate the optimal hormone treatment for rooting in bitter melon and the effect of defoliation on rooting and polyamine levels. Commercial preparation (diluted 1:10 and 1:20) gave extensive rooting within five days after treatment. The presence of leaf with the stem cutting was necessary for optimal rooting as defoliation drastically reduced rooting even when the rooting time was extended from 5 to 10 days. The presence of leaf also promoted the levels of putrescine three days after the hormone treatment just at the time of root emergence. Cuttings that did not have leaf did not show an increase in putrescine levels and did not produce roots. Spermidine levels also increased in the cuttings that rooted but there was no change in the levels of spermine in the cuttings that rooted. It appears that putrescine and spermidine play a role in regulating rooting in bitter melon cuttings. The vegetative propagation conditions described show that it is a practically viable technique for small growers to produce large number of plantlets at the farm for selection and cultivation.
文摘Obesity has been found to be associated with increased incidence of various metabolic disorders. Anti-obesity interventions are therefore urgently needed. An earlier study has demonstrated that treatment with an herbal formula MCC, which comprises the fruit of Momordica charantia (MC), the pericarpium of Citri reticulate (CR) and L-carnitine (CA), reduced the weight gain in high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. In the present study, we investigated the effect of long-term treatment with MCC (6 g/kg/day × 40 doses) and various combinations of its constituents in HFD-fed female ICR mice. Body weight change was monitored during the course of the experiment. Total and differential adiposity, plasma lipid contents, metabolic enzyme activities and mitochondrial coupling efficiency in skeletal muscle were measured. Glucose homeostasis was also assessed. Results showed that HFD increased the body weight, total and differential adiposity, and plasma lipid contents as well as impaired metabolic status in skeletal muscle and glucose homeostasis. MCC and all combinations of its constituents reduced the weight gain in HFD-fed mice, which was accompanied with an improvement on glucose homeostasis. While MC, CA and CR independently suppressed the HFD-induced weight gain in mice, MC seems to be the most effective in weight reduction, all of which correlated with the induction of mitochondrial uncoupling in skeletal muscle. Only CA and CR, but not MC, significantly reduced the total adiposity and visceral adiposity as well as plasma cholesterol level. However, the two component combinations, MC + CR and MC + CA, decreased the degree of visceral adiposity and plasma cholesterol level, respectively. MCC treatment at 1.5 g/kg (but not a higher dose of 6 g/kg) suppressed visceral adiposity and induced mitochondrial uncoupling in skeletal muscle in HFD-fed mice. The finding suggests that MCC may offer a promising prospect for ameliorating the diet-induced obesity and metabolic disorders in humans.
文摘[ Objectives] This study was conducted to screen the temperature index most suitable for identification of cold tolerance in bitter gourd （Momordica charantia L. ） at bud and seedling stages. [ Methods] With six different bitter gourd germplasms as experimental materials, the cold tolerance at bud and seedling stages were identified and evaluated. [ Results] At 18℃ , the largest change range of germination potential among different gernlplasms was 11.3% -96.0%, and the largest change range of germination rate was 13.3% - 100.0% ; and the six germplasms could be divided into three grades of cold tolerance. Therefore, 18 9C is an ideal temperature for the identification of cold tolerance in bitter gourd germplasms at bud stage. At 20℃, the cold tolerance in bitter gourd germplasms at bud stage could also be divided into three grades, and the change ranges of germination potential and germination rate were larger than 50.0%, so 20℃ could serve as the candidate temperature for the identification of cold tolerance in bitter gourd germplasms at bud stage. After 1 d of treatment at 6℃, the six bitter gourd germplasms could be divided into three grades, and the cold injury index had the largest range of 20.31 - 84.38 and could serve as the temperature index for the identification of cold tolerance in bitter gourd at seedling stage. [ Conclusions] This study will provide reference for the identification of cold tolerance in bitter gourd at bud stage and seedling stage.
基金The authors thank the National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. 20432030） the program for Changjiang Scholar and Innovative Team in University （No. 985-2-063-112） for financial support of this work.
文摘One new cucurbitane-type triterpenoid saponin, 5β,19-epoxycucurbita-6,23-diene-3β,19,25-triol-3-O-β-D-allopyranoside （1）,named momordicoside P was isolated from the fresh fruits ofMomordica charantia. The structure of the saponin was elucidated by spectral methods, including 2D-NMR spectra.
