reduced state).
Chronic administration of the fruit extract (L75 g/day for 60 days) to dogs led to testicular lesions with mass atrophy of the spermatogenic elements. The extract reduced the testicular con-
tent of RNA, protein and sialic acid as also the acid-phosphatase activity. (Medicinal Plants of India, Vol. 2, 1987, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi.)
The fruits and seeds yielded a polypeptide, p-insulin, which was considered similar to bovine insulin. (Fitoterapia, 60, 1989; Chem Abstr 112, 1990.)
The seed and fruit contain an inhibitor of HIV, MAP-30 (Momordica anti-HIV-protein) which exhibited antiviral and antitumour activity in vitro. (Chem Abstr, 113, 1990; ibid, 117, 1992.) Another protein, MRK-29, found in the seed and fruit of a smaller var. of Bitter Gourd found in Thailand, was found to inhibit HIV reverse transcriptase and to increase tumour necrosis factor (TNF). (Planta Med, 67, 2001; Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)
The seeds yield alpha-and betamomorcharins (glycoproteins). When these glycoproteins were co-cultured with isolated hepatocytes, morphological changes in hepatocytes were observed, indicating hepatotoxicity. Another principle with antilipolytic and lipogenic activities, found along with the alpha-and beta-momorcharin in the seed extract, did not show toxic effect.
Vicine is the hypoglycaemic constituent in the seed. Pure vicine has been found to possess 32.6% hypoglycaemic activity as against 22.2% shown by fresh juice, when tested on albino rats. The vicine is non-haemolytic.
Dosage Fresh fruit—10—15 ml
juice (API, Vol. II); 10—20 ml juice
(CCRAS.)
420 Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.
Momordica cochinchinensis
Spreng.
Family Cucurbitaceae.
Habitat Cultivated throughout the country, especially found in Assam, Bengal, South India and Andaman Islands.
Ayurvedic Karkataka, Kaaravellajalaja.
Folk Kakrol (Maharashtra), Bhat-karelaa, Gullcakraa.
Action Leaf and fruit—used
