Bitter Melon: the Wonder Herb - มะระสมุนไพรมหัศจรรย์

Abstract

Bitter melon is commonly classified as vegetable and also used as a popular folk herb for medical treatment. It contains many active plant chemicals including MAP30, reported to inhibit RNA replication of viruses, whereas alpha momorcharin, beta momorcharin and lectin inhibit HIV-integrase. In addition, a protein found in bitter melon, ribosome inhibiting protein (RIPs) has clinically demonstrated anticancerous activity in animals. Polypeptide P and charantin have been reported to decrease glucose in blood. Other chemicals in the plant such as saponins have reduced preadipocyte proliferation and reduced lipid accumulation of the adipocyte. Flavonoids and phenols possess potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities. This review summarized that bitter melon is a useful medicine for antimicrobial, anticancerous, antidiabetic, cholesterol-lowering action and antioxidant activities.