A Mini-Review on the Neuroprotective Effects of Extracts and Metabolites of <i>Momordica charantia<i>
http://www.doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v8i1.2
Keywords:
Charantin, α-Eleostearic acid, Protocatechuic acid, PolysaccharidesAbstract
This mini-review is on the neuroprotective effects of Momordica charantia (MC), a climbing cucurbit better well-known for its anti-diabetic and anti-cancer properties. Commonly known as bitter gourd or bitter melon, MC is a belongs to the family Curcubitaceae. Bitter gourd is rich in bioactive chemical constituents such as polysaccharides, cucurbitane triterpenoids, triterpene glycosides, phenolic acids, flavonoids, essential oils, saponins, fatty acids and proteins. The neuroprotective activities of MC extracts and metabolites can be categorized into different nervous system disorders as targets. They are central nervous system injury, neuronal damage, defective memory, neuronal cancer, neuro-inflammation, cognitive impairment and aging. Studies on the neuroprotective activities of MC juice, extracts, fractions, essential oil and metabolites are based on models of induced brain, cerebral ischemic/reperfusion and neuronal injury. Neuroprotective studies on MC are also based on models of induced neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Research on neurological cancer cells include studies on neuroblastoma and glioma cells. Bioactive metabolites with neuroprotective activities include polysaccharides, protocatechuic acid, charantin and α-eleostearic acid. Aspects for further research are suggested.
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