A triterpenoid-enriched extract of bitter melon leaves alleviates hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting inflammatory responses in carbon tetrachloride-treated mice

Therapeutic Potential of Momordicine I from Momordica charantia: Cardiovascular Benefits and Mechanisms

Momordica charantia (bitter melon), a traditional medicinal plant, has been demonstrated to have potential in managing diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, and infections. Among its bioactive compounds, momordicine I, a cucurbitane-type triterpenoid, has attracted attention due to its substantial biological activities. Preclinical studies have indicated that momordicine I possesses antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antihypertrophic, antifibrotic, and antioxidative properties, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent for cardiovascular diseases. Its mechanisms of action include modulating insulin signaling, inhibiting inflammatory pathways, and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. The proposed mechanistic pathways through which momordicine I exerts its cardiovascular benefits are via the modulation of nitric oxide, angiotensin-converting enzymes, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (Akt), oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammatory pathways. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effects of momordicine I are pivotal. Momordicine I might reduce inflammation through the following mechanisms: inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines, reducing adhesion molecules expression, suppressing NF-κB activation, modulating the Nrf2 pathway and suppressing c-Met/STAT3 pathway. However, its therapeutic use requires the careful consideration of potential side effects, contraindications, and drug interactions. Future research should focus on elucidating the precise mechanisms of momordicine I, validating its efficacy and safety through clinical trials, and exploring its pharmacokinetics. If proven effective, momordicine I could considerably affect clinical cardiology by acting as a novel adjunct or alternative therapy for cardiovascular diseases. To date, no review article has been published on the role of bitter-melon bioactive metabolites in cardiovascular prevention and therapy. The present work constitutes a comprehensive, up-to-date review of the literature, which highlights the promising therapeutic potential of momordicine I on the cardiovascular system and discusses future research recommendations.

Momordica charantia Bioactive Components: Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Benefits Through Gut Health Modulation

Momordica charantia (MC), a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, is well known for its pharmacological activities that exhibit hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. These properties are largely because of its abundant bioactive compounds and phytochemicals. Over the years, numerous studies have confirmed the regulatory effects of MC extract on glycolipid metabolism. However, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews on newly discovered MC-related components, such as insulin receptor-binding protein-19, adMc1, and MC protein-30 and triterpenoids 3β,7β,25-trihydroxycucurbita-5,23(E)-dien-19-al, and the role of MC in gut microbiota and bitter taste receptors. This review offers an up-to-date overview of the recently reported chemical compositions of MC, including polysaccharides, saponins, polyphenolics, peptides, and their beneficial effects. It also provides the latest updates on the role of MC in the regulation of gut microbiota and bitter taste receptor signaling pathways. As a result, this review will serve as a theoretical basis for potential applications in the creation or modification of MC-based nutrient supplements.

Extraction methods, multiple biological activities, and related mechanisms of Momordica charantia polysaccharide: A review

Momordica Charantia Polysaccharide (MCP) is a key bioactive compound derived from bitter melon fruit. This review summarizes the advancements in MCP research, including extraction techniques, biological activities, and mechanisms. MCP can be extracted using various methods, and has demonstrated hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory effects. Research suggests that MCP may regulate metabolic enzymes, oxidative stress reactions, and inflammatory pathways. The review highlights the potential applications of MCP in areas such as anti-diabetes, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory research. Future research should focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of MCP and optimizing extraction methods. This review provides a foundation for further research and utilization of MCP.

Protective Effect of Rhus chinensis Mill. Fruits on 3,5-Diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-Dihydrocollidine-Induced Cholestasis in Mice via Ameliorating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

This study focused on the preventive effects of the extracts of Rhus chinensis Mill. (RCM) fruits on cholestasis induced by 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) in mice. The results showed that RCM extracts could significantly ameliorate DDC-induced cholestasis via multiple mechanisms, including (1) alleviating liver damage via enhancing antioxidant capacity, such as increasing the contents of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase and inhibiting the levels of malondialdehyde; (2) preventing liver inflammation by suppressing NF-κB pathway and reducing proinflammatory cytokines secretion (e.g., tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6); (3) inhibiting liver fibrosis and collagen deposition by regulating the expression of transforming growth factor-β and α-smooth muscle actin; (4) modulating abnormal bile acid metabolism through increasing the expression of bile salt export pump and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2. This study was the first to elucidate the potential preventive effect of RCM extracts on DDC-induced cholestasis in mice from multiple pathways, which suggested that RCM fruits could be considered as a potential dietary supplement to prevent cholestasis.

A gastro-resistant peptide from Momordica charantia improves diabetic nephropathy in db/db mice via its novel reno-protective and anti-inflammatory activities

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a principal diabetic microvascular complication, is a chronic inflammatory immune disorder. A gastro-resistant peptide mcIRBP-9 from Momordica charantia has shown modulation of blood glucose homeostasis in diabetic mice. Here we conducted a long-term experiment to evaluate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of mcIRBP-9 on DN. Type 2 diabetic mice (db/db mice) were orally given mcIRBP-9 once daily for 12 consecutive weeks. The amelioration of DN was evaluated by renal function indexes, vascular leakage, and pathological lesions. Possible effective mechanisms of mcIRBP-9 on DN were analyzed by gene expression profiles. A pharmacokinetic study in rats was carried out to evaluate the oral bioavailability of mcIRBP-9. Our data showed that mcIRBP-9 was able to enter systemic circulation in rats after oral administration. In comparison with mock, long-term administration of mcIRBP-9 significantly decreased blood glucose (572.25 ± 1.55 mg dL^-1vs. 213.50 ± 163.39 mg dL^-1) and HbA1c levels (13.58 ± 0.30% vs. 8.23 ± 2.98%) and improved the survival rate (85.7% vs. 100%) in diabetic mice. mcIRBP-9 ameliorated DN by reducing renal vascular leakage and histopathological changes. mcIRBP-9 altered the pathways involved in inflammatory and immune responses, and the nuclear factor-κB played a central role in the regulation of mcIRBP-9-affected pathways. Moreover, mcIRBP-9 improved the inflammatory characteristic of DN in diabetic and non-diabetic mice. In conclusion, mcIRBP-9 displayed a novel anti-inflammatory activity and exhibited a reno-protective ability in addition to controlling the blood glucose and HbA1c levels. These findings suggested the role of mcIRBP-9 from M. charantia as a nutraceutical agent for diabetes and subsequent DN.

The novel anti-inflammatory activity of mcIRBP from Momordica charantia is associated with the improvement of diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy is an inflammatory immune disorder accompanying diabetes.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Charantadiol A, Isolated from Wild Bitter Melon Leaf, on Heat-Inactivated Porphyromonas gingivalis-Stimulated THP-1 Monocytes and a Periodontitis Mouse Model

Porphyromonas gingivalis has been identified as one of the major periodontal pathogens. Activity-directed fractionation and purification processes were employed to identify bioactive compounds from bitter melon leaf. Ethanolic extract of bitter melon leaf was separated into five subfractions by open column chromatography. Subfraction-5-3 significantly inhibited P. gingivalis-induced interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-6 productions in human monocytic THP-1 cells and then was subjected to separation and purification by using different chromatographic methods. Consequently, 5β,19-epoxycucurbita-6,23(E),25(26)-triene-3β,19(R)-diol (charantadiol A) was identified and isolated from the subfraction-5-3. Charantadiol A effectively reduced P. gingivalis-induced IL-6 and IL-8 productions and triggered receptors expressed on myeloid cells (TREM)-1 mRNA level of THP-1 cells. In a separate study, charantadiol A significantly suppressed P. gingivalis-stimulated IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA levels in gingival tissues of mice, confirming the inhibitory effect against P. gingivalis-induced periodontal inflammation. Thus, charantadiol A is a potential anti-inflammatory agent for modulating P. gingivalis-induced inflammation.